Gary Brown, a long-time NFL assistant coach and the Wisconsin Badgers’ running backs coach last season, passed away on Sunday at age 52.
Brown is survived by his wife, Kim, his daughters, Malena and Dorianna, and his son, Tre.
“I am deeply saddened by Gary’s passing,” UW head coach Paul Chryst said in a statement. “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. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Kim, his children, Malena and Dorianna and Tre, and his entire family, his friends and everyone who loved him.”
This one hurts…rest easy coach. pic.twitter.com/i3iN5H2Zli
— Braelon Allen (@BraelonAllen) April 11, 2022
Brown joined the Badgers after 11 seasons coaching in the NFL, most recently serving as running backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys in a highly-successful run from 2013 to 2019 where he mentored some of the NFL’s best backs including DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott — each claiming NFL rushing titles under Brown’s direction.
As a player, Brown was selected by the Houston Oilers in the 1991 NFL Draft, and went on to an eight-year pro career that included a breakout season in 1993, when he rushed for 1,002 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games, according to a press release from UW Athletics. After playing one season with the San Diego Chargers in 1997, he put together another 1,000-yard season with the Giants in 1998, running for 1,063 yards, before retiring following the 1999 campaign.
