Former Dallas Cowboys operating backs coach Gary Brown, who performed eight seasons in NFL, dies at 52

Gary Brown, who spent seven seasons because the Dallas Cowboys‘ operating backs coach, died Sunday after being handled for most cancers. He was 52.

“Gary Brown had a giant coronary heart partnered with a giant smile and a giant persona. His vitality and spirit had been infectious,” Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones mentioned in an announcement. “He lit up each room he walked into and touched the lives of those that knew him in such a optimistic approach. Everybody who knew him, cherished him. He meant a lot to the gamers he coached and the coaches he coached with.

“His love for his household, soccer and life was evident every day. He continued to combat, and he by no means gave up.”

Brown was with the Cowboys from 2013 to 2019 and had three totally different operating backs attain 1,000 yards, together with DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott. Murray (2014) and Elliott (2016, 2018) received NFL speeding titles beneath Brown’s tutelage.

“Nice Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Recognize you and your loved ones greater than something GB,” Murray tweeted. “Thanks for educating me the way in which on the sector and in life. Recognize you Gary Brown.”

Nice Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Recognize you and your loved ones greater than something GB… Thanks for educating me the way in which on the sector and in life. Recognize you Gary Brown. 🙏🏾

— DeMarco Murray (@DeMarcoMurray) April 11, 2022

Brown most lately served because the operating backs coach at Wisconsin throughout the 2021 season. He was unable to journey with the group to the Las Vegas Bowl in December whereas present process most cancers therapy.

“I’m deeply saddened by Gary’s passing,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst mentioned in an announcement. “Although he was solely on our workers for a yr he had a profound impression on our gamers and our program. We’re all higher individuals for having recognized Gary. He was an incredible individual, a terrific coach and a pleasure to be round. He had nice vitality and fervour for all times and that confirmed on daily basis.”

Brown was first recognized with most cancers in his colon and liver throughout his time in Cleveland, the place he coached the Browns‘ operating backs from 2009 2012. He underwent surgical procedure and chemotherapy and returned to the sidelines.

Not lengthy after he was not retained on Mike McCarthy’s workers, medical doctors discovered a malignant tumor close to Brown’s pancreas. He didn’t coach in 2020 earlier than becoming a member of the Badgers’ workers in 2021.

“This one hurts…relaxation simple coach,” Wisconsin operating again Braelon Allen wrote in a tweet.

After speeding for 1,321 yards throughout his school profession at Penn State, Brown was an eighth-round draft alternative of the Houston Oilers in 1991. He performed eight seasons within the NFL with the Oilers, San Diego Chargers and New York Giants, posting two 1,000-yard seasons whereas a member of the Oilers (1993) and Giants (1998). He retired in 1999.

“We mourn the passing of Gary Brown, an amazing man who performed for Massive Blue for 2 years – together with a 1,000-yard season in 1998. As soon as a Large, All the time a Large,” the group said in a statement.

Brown is survived by his spouse, Kim, daughters Malena and Dorianna, and son Tre.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg contributed to this report.