SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Ed Brown, a former NFL quarterback and a leader of the University of San Francisco's undefeated 1951 team, has died. He was 78.
Brown died last Thursday in Kennewick, Wash., of prostate cancer, according to his daughter, Brooke Brownie.
Brown played 12 NFL seasons, including eight with the Chicago Bears and nearly four more with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the Bears' starting quarterback from 1955-59, playing in the 1956 NFL title game and earning a spot in two Pro Bowls while also serving as Chicago's punter.
Brown passed for 15,600 yards and 102 touchdowns in his NFL career, including a career-best 2,982 yards and 21 TDs for the Steelers in 1963.
Brown, who was born in North Carolina and attended high school in San Luis Obispo, led San Francisco to a 9-0 record in his senior year of 1951. He earned the nickname "All-Around Brown" while playing quarterback, kicker and punter for a team that included Pro Football Hall of Famers Gino Marchetti, Ollie Matson and Bob St. Clair.
The Dons then received praise for refusing to drop their two black players in order to receive a bowl bid, as was required by most major bowl games at the time. San Francisco shut down its football program after the season, citing the high costs.
Brown served two years in the Marines before joining the Bears as a sixth-round pick. After leaving the NFL in 1965, he ran a business for 13 years.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
It was a pleasure to meet you. Wish it could have been sooner.. Thank you Brooke for extending your friendship and introducing me to those in your life that you love. Blessings to all the NFL coaches players owners including my extended cousin Jon Kolb, a Multi SB player as a Steeler. Rebecca RMT
RLR M-T
October 18, 2019 | Irrigon, OR | Acquaintance
Ann Marie S
December 05, 2016 | Sarasota, FL
To the Brown family,
As Ed's birthday approaches, may we all find comfort in knowing he is free of pain and he will be celebrating with his parents in God's loving care.
Carol Martin
October 16, 2010 | Santa Maria, CA
My condolences to Ed Brown and his loved ones. I knew Ed from SLO and the Avila Beach area in CA. Ed played golf regularly at Avila which, is where I met him. He was a true gentleman and I am saddened by his passing.
Scott Sickich
August 25, 2008 | Bluffton, SC
The pain of loosing a loved one is never easy to get over. But the Almighty God is not far from you. He can be a source of comfort to you.
"[God] comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:4
Wanisha
July 18, 2008
To the Ed Brown Family:
Our condolences to the family on the passing of Ed, we (Brad Fleisch, Perry Pederson and me) have put together an essay on Ed in nomination of him to the San Luis Obispo High School, Wall of Fame. It is long over due that SLOHS greatest football player has not been nominated until now, but in our and the school’s defense the concept and nomination process was only begun this year.
We struggled to put into words the dynamic personality that made Ed...
Jim Smith
February 05, 2008 | Vancouver, WA
I remember you as a youth in Pittsburgh, as you gave my team, the Steelers, a great effort in those pre-Super Bowl years. And according to the legends that have grown up over the years, you were a great guy, too, a great fit for Pitsburgh. You are remembered fondly, and I pray for you to be well forever with Our Lord.
Regis Cmar
August 11, 2007 | Middletown, OH
Mr. Brown you gave us NFL fans joy with your outstanding player at QB.
As a youngster growing up in Indiana I was lucky enough to collect your football cards.
May God bless the Brown family in the days ahead.
Mike Dugan
August 10, 2007 | Kenmore, NY
Dear Ed: Me and my Military Buddies
will miss you. We'll have the memories of your games in L. A. plus weekend touch football at SLO High School in your young days with Doug Black, Wylie Roberts, Johnny Tharp, Bono, &I many others. You were a cool buddy to us all and God wlll reward you. Take care!
Art Ruiz
August 10, 2007 | Henderson