FRISCO, Texas – Gary Brown, the Cowboys’ former running back coach of seven years, passed away on Sunday in Williamsport, Pa. at the age of 52.
Cowboys’ owner/general manager Jerry Jones released a statement on Sunday evening:
“Gary Brown had a big heart partnered with a big smile and 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, 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 served as the Cowboys’ running backs coach from 2013 to 2019 and under his tutelage, three cornerstone players eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing marker, including DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott. Both Murray (2014) and Elliott (2016, 2018) received rushing titles, placing them among the league’s hierarchy at the position. Elliott made the Pro Bowl three of four years under the instruction of Brown, missing the 2017 season as a result of his six-game suspension. After the departure of Jason Garrett following the 2019 season and a new era beginning under head coach Mike McCarthy, Dallas moved on from Brown in addition.
Brown was currently the running back coach at the University of Wisconsin during the 2021 season but did not make the trip to the Las Vegas Bowl while undergoing cancer treatment. Brown recently transitioned roles due to health concerns.
After posting 1,321 yards at Penn State, Brown was selected by the Houston Oilers in the eighth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He spent eight seasons in the NFL, playing five years in Houston, then finishing his career with the San Diego Chargers and New York Giants. Brown retired in 1999 after accumulating two, 1,000-yard seasons with the Oilers (1993) and Giants (1998).
“We mourn the passing of Gary Brown, a great man who played for Big Blue for two years,” the New York Giants described in a statement.
“Once a Giant, Always a Giant.”
