Date of Birth: December 2, 1940
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: October 21, 2019
Biography
Willie Brown was an American professional football player who made a significant impact in the world of sports. Born on December 2, 1940, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, he rose to prominence as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Brown attended Grambling State University, where he played college football under the legendary coach Eddie Robinson. Despite not being drafted in the 1963 NFL Draft, Brown’s talent and determination earned him a spot with the Denver Broncos of the American Football League (AFL). In 1967, Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders, where he became a cornerstone of the team’s defense. Over his 16-season career, Brown was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was named to the All-Pro team seven times. He is perhaps best remembered for his performance in Super Bowl XI, where he returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown, a record at the time. Brown’s contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. After retiring as a player, Brown transitioned to coaching and executive roles within the Raiders organization, where he continued to influence the game and mentor younger players. He passed away on October 21, 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.
5 Interesting Facts about Willie Brown
1. Willie Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
2. He played 16 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Oakland Raiders.
3. Brown’s 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XI was a record at the time.
4. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos.
5. Brown was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time All-Pro.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Willie Brown
1. “Being undrafted made me work harder. I had something to prove every single day.”
2. “Football is not just a game; it’s a way of life. It teaches you discipline, teamwork, and resilience.”
3. “I always believed in leading by example. Show your teammates what it means to be dedicated.”
4. “The thrill of making a big play in a crucial moment is something you never forget.”
5. “Coaching allowed me to give back to the game that gave me so much.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Willie Brown’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Willie Brown had three children: a son, Willie Jr., and two daughters, Traci and Kendra.
Relevant Links
1. [Pro Football Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.profootballhof.com/players/willie-brown/
2. [NFL.com Player Bio](https://www.nfl.com/players/willie-brown/
3. [Raiders.com Tribute](https://www.raiders.com/history/legends/willie-brown
