Former Dallas Cowboys running back coach Gary Brown passed away on Sunday in Williamsport, PA, following a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
“Gary Brown had a big heart partnered with a big smile and a big personality. His energy and spirit were infectious,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “He lit up every room he walked into and touched the lives of those who knew him in such a positive way. Everyone who knew him loved him. He meant so much to the players he coached and the coaches he coached with.”
Brown coached in Dallas from 2013 to 2019. He had three different running backs rush for 1,000 yards with the Cowboys, including DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden, and Ezekiel Elliott. Murray (2014) and Elliott (2016, 2018) won NFL rushing titles under Brown’s coaching.
“Great Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Appreciate you and your family more than anything GB,” Murray tweeted. “Thank you for teaching me the way on the field and in life. Appreciate you Gary Brown.”
Great Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Appreciate you and your family more than anything GB… Thank you for teaching me the way on the field and in life. Appreciate you Gary Brown. ??
— DeMarco Murray (@DeMarcoMurray) April 11, 2022
After Jason Garrett was let go as head coach of the team in 2020, Brown was not retained in his position. Not long after he was informed he would not be kept on the Cowboys’ coaching staff, doctors found a malignant tumor near Brown’s pancreas.
Brown did not coach in 2020 but joined the University of Wisconsin as running back coach in 2021. However, he was recently reassigned to perform other duties due to health issues.
“I am deeply saddened by Gary’s passing,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. “Though he was only on our staff for a year, he had a profound impact on our players and our program. We are all better people for having known Gary. He was a tremendous person, a terrific coach, and a joy to be around. He had great energy and passion for life, and that showed every day.”
Brown was first diagnosed with cancer in his colon and liver while coaching in Cleveland. He coached the Browns’ running backs from 2009 to 2012. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy and returned to coaching.
Brown was a star running back at Penn State before being drafted in the eighth round of the 1991 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers. Brown played five years in Houston before finishing his eight-year career with the Chargers and Giants.
“We mourn the passing of Gary Brown, a great man who played for Big Blue for two years — including a 1,000-yard season in 1998. Once a Giant, Always a Giant,” the team said.
We mourn the passing of Gary Brown, a great man who played for Big Blue for two years – including a 1,000-yard season in 1998.
Once a Giant, Always a Giant. pic.twitter.com/86A99vs1ZX— New York Giants (@Giants) April 11, 2022
Brown is survived by his wife, Kim, daughters Malena and Dorianna, and son Tre. His passing is the second tragic loss for the Dallas Cowboys family in a short span. Last week Hall of Fame offensive lineman and Cowboys ring of honor member Rayfield Wright passed away at age 76.
“His love for his family, football, and life was evident each day. He continued to fight, and he never gave up,” Jones added about Brown. “My family and the Dallas Cowboys family are heartbroken, and our love and support are with his wife, Kim, his daughters, Malena and Dorianna, and his son, Tre.”