Brown also made his mark on the international stage representing the Kiwis in 15 tests and was a member of New Zealand's 2010 and 2014 Four Nations winning squads.
He will now turn his focus to his new men's clothing line 'Earls Collection' which markets itself as providing "clothing and accessories for modern noblemen".
"Today I have decided to walk away from my dream and retire," Brown posted on Instagram.
"I achieved more then I set out to do and have created memories and friendships that will never be forgotten or broken.
"I want to thank the game, all my teammates, fans and teams but most of all I want to thank family especially my Mum and Pop. They sacrificed so much to make sure I achieved what so many people said I would never be able to do.
"I will always love the game but you know when it is time to walk away. I look forward to all the new challenges I face in life.
"Playing professional footy has proved to me that if you work hard enough anything in life is possible. To the young kids living their dream in the NRL make the most of it because it goes fast. Thanks rugby league."
Meanwhile, Australian international Dane Gagai has put his hand up to play for the Maori side instead of the Australian Indigenous team in the revamped All Stars clash in Melbourne next month.
The South Sydney NRL star is eligible for both teams, having represented the Australian Indigenous side over the last three seasons, but has chosen to represent his Maori heritage in the match at AAMI Park on February 15.
Queensland-born Gagai qualifies for both teams through parents of Torres Strait Islander and Tuhoe Maori descent.
The 28-year-old outside back has played for the Maroons since 2015 and first earned Kangaroos selection in 2017.
Gagai was a member of Australian coach Mal Meninga's side that lost to the Kiwis in Auckland before bouncing back to beat Tonga in last year's end of season tests.
His decision to switch camps comes after former Kangaroos front-rower James Tamou declared he would like to return to the Maori side, seven years after turning his back on the Kiwis to align himself with Australia.
The Palmerston North-born Penrith prop courted controversy back in 2012 when he chose to play for the Kangaroos rather than New Zealand as he pursued his ambition of playing State of Origin for New South Wales.
The 29-year-old previously pulled on the Maori jersey for a curtain-raiser match at the 2008 World Cup alongside the likes of Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jordan Rapana and Kevin Proctor, and represented the team again in 2010.
The 2015 Cowboys grand final winner explained he was keen to return to his roots as he enters the twilight of his career but knows there will be fierce competition for spots in the Maori side.
"I've been in touch with them and they know I'm very interested in playing," Tamou told NRL.com.
"I was looking at a mock team and thought I might not even get a run here.
"I was a part of it before the start of my NRL career. Hopefully, we can get these games and show what Māori rugby league is all about."
