Hall of Fame
Position: Guard
Years: 1961-1963
Place of Birth: Cleveland, OH
Date of Birth: Dec 08, 1941
Place of Death: Oakland, California
Date of Death: June 16, 2023
Jersey Number: 64
Height: 6-5
Weight: 260
High School: East Technical (Cleveland, OH)
Bob Brown was a big man for his time in college football, and he earned himself the nickname "The Boomer." He stood 6-5 and weighed 260.
In his junior year, 1962, he was named all-conference guard. His pass interception with one minute to play enabled Nebraska to beat Miami in the Gotham Bowl. In his senior campaign, 1963, he was selected as a unanimous All-America, becoming the first Black Cornhusker to earn All-America status. Nebraska had a 10-1 season and won its first conference championship since 1940.
In the Orange Bowl against Auburn, Brown's crushing block, which carried his man eight yards down field, opened the way for Dennis Claridge to go 68 yards for a touchdown. This was the second play of the game and helped Nebraska to a 13-7 victory. On defense, he played linebacker and had 49 tackles, a pass interception, and two fumble recoveries.
Brown went to the pros, played offensive tackle, and was all-pro seven times. He played with the Philadelphia Eagles 1964-1968, Los Angles Rams 1969-1970, and Oakland Raiders 1971-1973.
Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and Nebraska retired his No. 64 the same year.
