As it turns out, the Indianapolis Colts had to go just around the proverbial corner to get a new safety.

Stevie Brown lives about 5 minutes away and was hanging out with his father Monday night when a phone call from the free-agent safety’s agent gave them both reason to celebrate. The former Columbus East High School star had a job.

“I was at my dad’s house here in Indianapolis,” Brown said. “My agent called me and said, ‘You get to stay at home. The Colts will be calling you some time soon.’ It was nice. It was definitely nice.”

He didn’t expect the hometown team to inquire. The second-year pro knew other teams needed a safety. Green Bay lost Nick Collins for the season, same with Kansas City and Eric Berry.

“You hear everything that was going on. The Chiefs were looking for somebody. Green Bay was looking for somebody. I knew of those places were looking for a safety. I didn’t even know the Colts were looking for a safety. Whenever I got the call, I was like, ‘Even better.’”

His father, George, was as thrilled as the son.

“He was definitely excited,” Brown said. “I don’t know, (the excitement) could have been equal because he’s a big Colts fan.”

At the least, it was a father-and-son moment that ranks up there.

“We will definitely remember that one for a while,” the safety said. “He said, ‘Congratulations. Now go out there and show you can play.’”

A seventh-round pick in 2010 by Oakland, Brown has already been cultured on how the NFL works. He played in 15 games, but was released in final cuts in September. He was claimed off waivers by Carolina, yet released a few days later. Thirteen days later, the Colts called.

“The one thing about it is it is a business, and you’ll learn that,” he said, “but don’t let it take away from your love of the game.”