Oakland Raiders cornerback Willie Brown has died

Oakland Raiders cornerback Willie Brown has died. He was 78 years old.

The Hall of Famer’s health had declined in recent months, as he took a less active role with the team after years as a public face of the franchise. He was a mainstay in the Raiders’ secondary for 12 seasons during a golden era where the Silver and Black won their first Super Bowl. He was a Raiders defensive backs coach for 10 seasons after that, and recently was an ambassador heavily involved in the community and with the team over the last two decades.

Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and is a member of the All-Time AFL team and the NFL’s team of the 1970s.

His pick-six in Super Bowl XI against Minnesota stands as one of several iconic moments in his illustrious career.

Brown stands among the best defensive backs to ever represent the Raiders, exclusive company considering how many excellent cover men have worn silver and black.

He was extremely close with owner Mark Davis and the Raiders alumni base. Brown’s passing comes but a few months after receiver Cliff Branch died unexpectedly.

Brown played basketball, football and ran track at Carver High School and the Apprentice School. Brown is a long-time supporter, and volunteer, with the Virginia Special Olympics. In addition, he has been instrumental in the operation of the Boo Williams Summer League basketball program for the last 25 years.