Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time
By Dante Pryor
24. Willie Brown, cornerback, Grambling State University
There are few players more connected to a franchise than Willie Brown is with the Raiders. Not just because Brown spent the vast majority of his career in the silver and black as a player, coach and executive.
Not even because of Brown’s iconic NFL Films clip seemingly running toward the camera on a then-record 75-yard interception return for a touchdown. What makes Willie Brown such an iconic Raider is his journey to the NFL.
Brown was the perfect Raider because he was a diamond in the rough. The Raiders were often considered “the land of misfit toys” in many ways.
After a stellar career at Grambling State under legendary coach Eddie Robinson, Brown went undrafted in 1963. Brown signed with the Oilers but was cut during training camp.
The Broncos signed Brown, where he played for three seasons. Denver traded Brown to the Raiders in 1967, and he spent 12 years playing and another ten years as a coach, and 24 years as Director of Staff Development.
The Yazoo City, Mississippi native, had 54 interceptions in his 15-year NFL career. Brown was a four-time pro bowler and a five-time AFL All-Star. Brown is part of the AFL’s All-Time team, the NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team, and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.