winklogo200.png

Roger Brown Lions Great

Towering at 6'5" and weighing over 300 lbs, Roger Brown wasn't just a football player; he was a...

Our Latest Book is Out
Explore the 1925 NFL season and the saga of an NFL franchise the Pottsville Maroons

Marooned:The Rise, The Fall, and The Redemption of the NFL's Pottsville Maroons

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.
College HOF

"Roger Brown Lions Great"

Last updated 📅 2025-04-30

Towering at 6'5" and weighing over 300 lbs, Roger Brown wasn't just a football player; he was a force of nature. From 1960 to 1966 and again from 1967 to 1969, he terrorized offensive lines in the trenches for the Detroit Lions, solidifying his place as one of the team's most iconic defensive tackles. Born May 1, 1937, in Surry County, Virginia, brown was a significant player in history.

But Brown wasn't just a cog in the machine. His talent shone brightly. He earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1962-1967), a feat unmatched by any Lions defensive lineman before or since. Two First-Team All-Pro selections (1962, 1963) further cemented his status as an elite performer.

Numbers don't fully capture Brown's impact. His size, speed, and relentless motor disrupted offensive schemes. He possessed an uncanny ability to penetrate lines and pressure quarterbacks, forcing hurried throws and interceptions. His ferocious tackling instilled fear in opponents and inspired his teammates.

In a surprising move, Brown was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1967. He continued his stellar play, earning another Pro Bowl selection in 1967. He returned to the Lions in 1968, proving his loyalty and dedication to the team.

Brown retired in 1969, leaving behind a legacy of dominance and leadership. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, solidifying his place among the NFL's all-time greats.

  • EVENTDAY: May 01
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Roger Brown
  • FOOTBALL POSITION: Tackle
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Detroit Lions
  • NCAAF JERSEY: Number 75
  • NFL JERSEY: Number 76

EventDay

"On This Gridiron Day May 1"

Relive May 1st, a day etched in American football lore! From ownership changes that reshaped franchises to the collegiate gridiron's legendary figures, this date marks pivotal moments. Celebrate the players, coaches, and decisions that contributed to the sport's rich tapestry and enduring legacy.
  • EVENTDAY: May 01
  • FOOTBALL MONTH: May History
May 1st Gridiron Greats: A Historic Day in American Football This date in the history of the sport echoes with tales of transitions and transformations. It reminds us of the individuals who left an indelible mark on the collegiate game. Their dedication, skill, and passion helped define eras and inspire generations of athletes who followed in their footsteps, contributing to the sport we love. The gridiron's past is filled with moments of triumph and change. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the evolution of strategies that continue to shape the sport. From college fields to professional stadiums, the echoes of these events resonate, reminding us of the rich heritage of American football. Relive May 1st, a day etched in American football lore!..

Football History

"Philadelphia Eagles Get New Ownership in 1969"

The sale of the Philadelphia Eagles on May 1, 1969 marked a significant moment in NFL history, reflecting the escalating value of professional sports franchises and the financial pressures that could impact even seemingly successful owners. On May 2, 1969, the Palladium-Item in Richmond, Indiana, proclaimed in a bold headline, "Philadelphia Eagles Sold!" The accompanying story detailed the events of May 1, 1969, when trucking magnate Leonard Tose acquired the Philadelphia Eagles from Jerry Wolman for a then-record price of $16.05 million. This transaction signaled a new era for the Eagles and underscored the increasing financial stakes involved in owning a professional sports team.
  • EVENTDAY: May 01
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Leonard Tose
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Philadelphia Eagles
  • OTHER: 1969, Dick Vermeil, Jerry Williams, Jerry Wolman, Joe Kuharich, John Hancock Center, Leonard Tose, NFL Business, NFL Expan, NFL History, NFL Ownership, Pete Retzlaff, Philadelphia Eagles, Ronald McDonald House, Super Bowl, Coaching Changes, Financial Difficulties, Franchise Value, Sports Franchise Sale, Team Management
In 1969, Leonard Tose's $16.05 million purchase of the Eagles from a financially strained Jerry Wolman, who had bought the team for $5.505 million in 1964, marked a new era for the franchise, characterized by both on-field changes and financial challenges...

Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the go to The Official PFRA Website. _________________________

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________