Keith Browner Sr., a towering presence in his five-year NFL career, and a proud scion of one of the sport’s storied families, died unexpectedly on Tuesday. He was 63.
After being drafted in the second round out of USC in 1984, Browner played five seasons as a linebacker with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984-86), San Francisco 49ers (1987), Los Angeles Raiders (1987) and San Diego Chargers (1988).
More news: Two-Time NFL Pro Bowler, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Dies
The youngest of six brothers, all of whom would play major college football (and several in the NFL), Browner carved out his own identity on the gridiron.
Browner starred at USC, earning two Second Team All-Pac-10 selections in 1982 and 1983, before being selected with the 30th overall pick by the Buccaneers.
Browner would go on to play 65 games, starting 44, in the NFL. He retired with four interceptions for 106, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 10.5 sacks.
Multiple generations of Browners made a living playing football.
Keith Browner Jr. spent parts of four seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans (2012-14) and Chicago Bears (2016). Three of the elder Browner’s brothers played in the NFL.
Jim Browner was a defensive back for the Bengals from 1979-80. Joey Browner was a six-time Pro Bowl safety for the Minnesota Vikings from 1983-91. Another brother, Ross Browner, played defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers from 1978-87.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
