Gary Brown, a former NFL running back who served as the Wisconsin Badgers’ running backs coach last season but was unable to travel with the team to the Las Vegas Bowl in December because of medical issues, died Sunday.
Brown was 52.
He is survived by his wife, Kim, daughters Malena and Dorianna and son Tre.
Brown, who played eight seasons in the NFL and coached 11 years for the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys, gained the respect of the UW coaches and players during his lone season on Paul Chryst’s staff.
“It has been difficult,” tailback Chez Mellusi said earlier this spring when asked about missing Brown. “I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for coach Brown. It was difficult for me but the most important thing is his health. As sad as it is, that is the most important thing.”
