Willie Brown

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Willie Brown

Inducted:
1984

Willie Brown NFL Hall of Fame

Player Stats

6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
195 lb (88 kg)

Born:
December 2, 1940
Yazoo City, Mississippi, U.S.

Died:
October 21, 2019
Tracy, California, U.S.

Position:
Cornerback

College:
Grambling (1959–1962)

Willie Brown was a trailblazing cornerback whose physical style and instincts helped redefine pass defense in the NFL. Undrafted in 1963, Brown defied the odds and became a star with the Denver Broncos before finding his legendary home with the Oakland Raiders.

Known for his bump-and-run coverage and aggressive play, Brown was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense for over a decade. His most iconic moment came in Super Bowl XI, when he returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win and delivering one of the most memorable plays in NFL history.

A five-time AFL All-Star and four-time Pro Bowler, Brown finished his career with 54 interceptions. After retiring, he remained with the Raiders in coaching and executive roles, continuing his legacy off the field. Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Brown's Awards and Honors

    • Super Bowl champion (XI)
    • AFL champion (1967)
    • 3× First-team All-AFL (1964, 1968, 1969)
    • 2× First-team All-Pro (1971, 1973)
    • Second-team All-AFL (1967)
    • Second-team All-Pro (1972)
    • 5× AFL All-Star (1964, 1965, 1967–1969)
    • 4× Pro Bowl (1970–1973)
    • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
    • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
    • AFL All-Time Team
    • 2× Super Bowl champion (XV, XVIII)
    • Most passes intercepted in a game: 4 (tied)

    NFL/AFL Teams

    As Player
    Houston Oilers (1963)
    Denver Broncos (1963–1966)
    Oakland Raiders (1967–1978)

    As Coach
    Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (1979–1988)
    Defensive backs coach
    Long Beach State (1991)
    Jordan HS (CA) (1994)

    AFL draft:
    1963: Undraftedth round

    Numbers Worn:
    81

    NFL Stats:

    Games Played:
    204
    Game Started:
    185
    Interceptions:
    54
    Interception Return Yards:
    472
    Touchdowns:
    2 (including a Super Bowl TD)
    Fumble Recoveries:
    4
    Super Bowl Appearances:
    3 (II, XI, XV)
    Super Bowl Champion:
    1× (XI)