Larry Brown

Larry Brown, born on December 2, 1949, in Hampton, Virginia, was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary dynasty of the 1970s. Though often overshadowed by flashier teammates, his versatility, toughness, and unwavering performance as an offensive lineman and tight end were critical to the Steelers' unprecedented success.

College Career
Brown played college football at the University of Kansas from 1968 to 1970. Initially recruited as a defensive end, he transitioned to offensive tackle, where he excelled. In his senior season (1970), he earned First-Team All-Big Eight Conference honors, solidifying his reputation as a formidable blocker and a top prospect for the professional ranks. His strong performance at Kansas drew significant attention, especially from teams looking for adaptable players.

Road to the Pro Game
Larry Brown's impressive collegiate career led to him being a high selection in the 1971 NFL Draft, where he was chosen in the first round (24th overall pick) by the Pittsburgh Steelers. This selection proved to be a pivotal move for the Steelers, who were in the process of building the core of their championship teams.

✦ Football Legacy

Larry Brown spent his entire 10-season NFL career (1971-1980) with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming an indispensable, albeit often unheralded, part of the franchise's historic four Super Bowl victories. While primarily an offensive tackle, Brown's most remarkable legacy lies in his extraordinary versatility. During the 1977 season, due to injuries to key tight ends, he seamlessly transitioned to playing tight end, demonstrating his exceptional hands and blocking ability. This unexpected shift showcased his selflessness and commitment to the team's needs.

According to Steelers tackle John Kolb, Larry never gave up a sack during his NFL career at tackle.

He was a vital protector for quarterback Terry Bradshaw and a powerful run-blocker for Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, enabling the Steelers' dominant "Steel Curtain" offense. Brown played in every regular-season game from 1972 to 1978 and appeared in all four of the Steelers' Super Bowl wins (IX, X, XIII, XIV). His consistent, gritty play and willingness to adapt to any role the team required solidified his place as a revered figure within the Steelers organization and among their devoted fanbase.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Super Bowl Champion: 4x (IX, X, XIII, XIV)

✦ Pro Bowl: 1x (1980)

✦ First-Team All-Big Eight Conference: 1970 (College)

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor: Inducted 2017

✦ NFL Career Stats (10 seasons):

✦ Games Played: 139 (all starts for 9 seasons)

✦ Touchdowns: 2 (as a tight end in 1977)

✦ Receptions: 30 (for 383 yards, all in 1977-1978)