Former Oilers, Giants running back Gary Brown dies at 52

Former Houston Oilers and New York Giants running back, and former Dallas Cowboys coach, Gary Brown, has passed away at the age of 52, the Cowboys announced on Sunday.

Brown was in hospice care for the last two weeks and was said to have been dealing with “significant health issues” since 2019, the team said.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released this statement on Sunday night on Brown’s passing:

“Gary Brown had a big heart partnered with a big smile and a big personality. His energy and spirit were infectious. 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. His love for family, football and life was evident each day. He continued to fight, and he never gave up. 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.”

Brown spent eight years in the NFL, five of which came in Houston, the team that selected him in the eighth round of the 1991 NFL draft. He tallied one of his two career 1,000-yard seasons with the Oilers.

After his time in Houston, Brown went on to play for the San Diego Chargers for one season, and the New York Giants for the final two years of his career. Brown’s second 1,000-yard campaign came in 1998 with Big Blue.

Brown began his nearly two-decade-long coaching career in 2003, first serving as running backs coach for Lycoming college (2003-05).

He also held the same position with Rutgers (2008), the Cleveland Browns (2009-12), the Cowboys (2013-19), and then most recently with Wisconsin. Brown served as the offensive coordinator at Susquehanna (2006-07) as well.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.