...
By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Norris Brown, a former Georgia tight end who helped the Bulldogs win a national championship before spending time in the NFL and USFL, has died. He was 65.
A native of Laurens, South Carolina, Brown starred at Laurens District 55 High School before signing with Georgia. He arrived in Athens as part of a program on the rise under coach Vince Dooley and developed into a reliable pass catcher during one of the most successful eras in school history.
Read More on NCAA
Brown played for the Bulldogs from 1979-82, and played a key role as a member of Georgia's 1980 national championship team. He caught 44 passes for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns in his college career, earning a reputation as a dependable target in an offense led by future NFL standouts.
...
In Brown's junior season, he helped Georgia reach the 1982 Sugar Bowl, which the Bulldogs lost 24-20 to Pittsburgh team led by quarterback Dan Marino. The Bulldogs went undefeated en route to another SEC title during Brown's senior season, then lost to Penn State in the 1983 Sugar Bowl — an upset of No. 2 versus No. 1.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Brown in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft with the 213th overall pick. He appeared in two games as a rookie during the 1983 season, making the transition from one of college football's premier programs to the professional ranks.
More news: Former Chargers Pro Bowler Dies
Although his NFL career was brief, Brown continued playing professionally in the United States Football League.
The New Jersey Generals selected Brown in the 1983 USFL Draft as well. Brown would play for the Generals in 1984, and one with the Jacksonville Bulls in 1985, extending his football career.
More news: Hall of Famer, Chiefs Super Bowl Defensive Back, Dies at 85
Brown remained closely identified with Georgia's championship teams long after his playing days ended. His 10 touchdown receptions set a school record that stood for 40 years.
"Heavy heart this weekend hearing about the passing of former UGA teammate TE Norris Brown," former Bulldogs quarterback and media personality Buck Belue wrote on Twitter/X. "Talented & skilled athlete & a wonderful teammate. I will miss him!"
For more NFL news, visit Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines