“Amon-Ra St. Brown Reveals Unique Childhood Discipline: Kissing Brother on Lips After Fights Was Normal in Germany”
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the electrifying wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, has quickly become one of the NFL’s most exciting young talents. Known for his relentless work ethic, precise route-running, and infectious energy, St. Brown’s rise to stardom has been fueled by a unique upbringing shaped by his family’s unconventional methods. In a recent interview, the 24-year-old star shared a surprising detail about his childhood: after fights with his older brother, Equanimeous St. Brown (a fellow NFL wide receiver), their father, former bodybuilder John Brown, would make them kiss each other on the lips as a form of reconciliation.
“After the fight was over, he would make us kiss lips,” Amon-Ra revealed. “In Germany, it’s kind of normal. So it was normal for me growing up.” The anecdote, while unusual to many American audiences, offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and disciplinary practices that shaped the St. Brown brothers into the competitors they are today.
The St. Brown brothers—Amon-Ra, Equanimeous, and Osiris—were raised in a household where excellence was non-negotiable. Their father, John Brown, a two-time Mr. Universe winner, instilled in them a relentless drive to succeed, both on and off the field. From grueling workouts to strict academic standards, the brothers were conditioned to push beyond their limits.
Physical altercations between siblings are common in many households, but the St. Brown family’s approach to resolving conflict was anything but ordinary. Rather than letting tensions simmer or simply forcing an apology, John Brown implemented a method that, while jarring to some, was rooted in his German upbringing. In many European cultures, particularly in Germany, kissing family members on the lips is a normalized gesture of affection, even between siblings. For Amon-Ra and Equanimeous, this practice was just another part of their upbringing—one that reinforced closeness even in moments of conflict
The revelation about the St. Brown brothers’ post-fight reconciliation method sparked a mix of amusement and curiosity among fans. In the United States, kissing between siblings—especially on the lips—is far less common and often viewed as unusual. However, cultural norms around physical affection vary widely across the world.
In Germany, as Amon-Ra noted, familial kisses on the lips are not considered strange. Similar customs exist in other European countries, where cheek-kissing between relatives is standard. The intention is rarely romantic; rather, it’s a gesture of warmth and reconciliation. For John Brown, who spent much of his early life in Europe, this was simply the way he knew how to teach his sons to move past their disagreements.
Amon-Ra’s casual admission highlights how cultural upbringing shapes personal norms. What might seem bizarre to one person is entirely routine to another. The St. Brown brothers’ ability to laugh about it now speaks to their close bond—one that was undoubtedly strengthened by their father’s unorthodox methods.
The discipline and resilience instilled in the St. Brown brothers from a young age have paid off in their professional careers. Equanimeous, the eldest, played college football at Notre Dame before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2018. Amon-Ra, the youngest, starred at USC before being selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft. Osiris, the middle brother, also played college football but did not pursue an NFL career.
Amon-Ra, in particular, has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars. In just three seasons, he has shattered records, earning Pro Bowl honors and establishing himself as Jared Goff’s most reliable target. His work ethic, often attributed to his father’s intense training regimens, has become the stuff of legend in Detroit. Teammates and coaches frequently praise his dedication, whether it’s staying late after practice or meticulously studying film.
Interestingly, the same fiery competitiveness that once led to childhood scuffles with Equanimeous now fuels Amon-Ra’s dominance on the field. The lessons learned from those early conflicts—how to reconcile, how to push each other, and how to never back down—have translated seamlessly into his NFL career.
Despite their competitive nature, the St. Brown brothers remain incredibly close. Amon-Ra and Equanimeous, now both in the NFL, continue to push each other to new heights. Their relationship is a testament to the power of sibling rivalry when channeled correctly.
In interviews, Amon-Ra has often spoken about the influence of his brothers on his career. Whether it was training together in the offseason or trash-talking during workouts, the constant competition sharpened all of them. The fact that they could go from throwing punches to being forced to kiss—and then back to training like nothing happened—speaks volumes about their bond.
Their father’s methods may have been unconventional, but they worked. The St. Brown brothers learned early on that conflict doesn’t have to create division; it can be resolved and even strengthen relationships. That mindset has carried them through the highs and lows of professional sports.
While most parents won’t be adopting the “kiss-on-the-lips” method anytime soon, there’s something to be said about the St. Brown family’s approach to conflict resolution. In a world where grudges can fester and relationships can fracture over minor disputes, their ability to immediately address and move past disagreements is admirable.
John Brown’s philosophy was clear: fights happen, but they shouldn’t break the family bond. By making his sons physically demonstrate reconciliation, he ensured that anger never lingered. It was a lesson in humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love—one that has clearly stuck with Amon-Ra and Equanimeous throughout their lives.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s revelation about his childhood discipline offers more than just a humorous anecdote—it provides insight into the cultural and familial foundations that shaped him into the player he is today. From post-fight kisses to NFL stardom, the St. Brown brothers’ journey is a testament to the power of discipline, resilience, and brotherly love.
As Amon-Ra continues to light up the league with the Detroit Lions, fans can appreciate not just his on-field brilliance, but also the unique upbringing that made it all possible. And who knows? Maybe the next time he and Equanimeous get into a heated debate, they’ll laugh and remember the days when a kiss was all it took to settle the score.