Bob Brown, Hall of Famer and former Eagles lineman, dies at 81
Brown, who was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, played half of his decade-long career in Philadelphia, appearing and starting in 64 games from 1964-68.
Hall of Fame lineman Bob Brown, who played half of his decade-long career in Philadelphia, died Friday in Oakland, Calif.
He was 81.
Brown, who was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, started all 64 games in which he appeared for the Eagles from 1964-68. Known for his blocking prowess, the 6-foot-4 280-pounder was a menace to opposing offenses. Brown was a three-time Pro Bowler during that span and was a first-team All-Pro with the Eagles in 1965, 1966, and 1968, his final year before joining the Los Angeles Rams.
Brown played two All-Pro seasons in Los Angeles, before joining the Oakland Raiders, where he announced his retirement in 1973.
“At his best, no one was better than big Bob Brown,” said former Rams coach George Allen, another Hall of Famer. “To do what Brown does requires great quickness, strength and self-confidence. Few men have such a combination of assets. Bob Brown does.”
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Brown’s wife Cecelia Brown said her husband died peacefully at an Oakland rehabilitation center surrounded by his family and friends. It’s where Brown the last two months of his life following a stroke in April. He also is survived by his son, Robert Jr.
“Bob Brown demonstrated different personalities on and off the field,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter via statement. “On the field, he was as fierce an opponent as any defensive lineman or linebacker ever faced. … Yet off the field, he demonstrated a quiet, soft-spoken, and caring nature that his son, Robert Jr., captured eloquently when he presented his dad for enshrinement in 2004. The Hall extends its thoughts and prayers to CeeCee and Robert Jr. for their loss.”
Brown was born Dec. 8, 1941, in Cleveland. He attended Cleveland East Tech before advancing his football career collegiately at Nebraska. He was drafted second overall by the Eagles in 1964.