Brownlee began his college football career at East Mississippi Community College.[3] He caught 14 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown during his freshman season as the Lions won the 2018 NJCAA National Championship.[4] Brownlee had 75 catches for 1,055 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.[5] Brownlee initially committed to transfer to Charlotte, but later flipped his commitment to Southern Miss.[6]
Brownlee led the Southern Miss Golden Eagles with 34 receptions, 610 receiving yards, and five touchdown catches in his first season with the team.[7] He again led the team in receiving and was named second-team All-Conference USA after catching 46 passes for 643 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021.[8] As a senior, Brownlee had 55 receptions for 891 yards and eight touchdowns.[9]
Brownlee was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2023.[12] He made the Jets' 53 man initial roster out of training camp. In Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins, Brownlee recorded his first NFL receptions, catching both targets from Tim Boyle for 20 yards.[13] In Week 16, Brownlee caught his first professional touchdown from Trevor Siemian against the Washington Commanders.[14]
On August 28, 2024, Brownlee was waived by the Jets and re-signed to the practice squad.[15][16]
