Former Brown Orlando Brown Passes Away

[King of Kings]

Posted by Mike Florio on September 23, 2011, 1:32 PM EDT
Getty ImagesOrlando Brown, a mammoth offensive tackle who appeared in 129 games with the Browns and Ravens, has died. The Ravens announced his passing on Friday.
Brown was 40.


Six-feet, seven-inches and 360 pounds, Brown was nicknamed “Zeus.” And referee Jeff Triplette got a taste of Brown’s lightning bolts in 1999, after Triplette inadvertently hit Brown in the eye with the business end of a penalty flag. The small bean bag made its way into the opening in Brown’s facemask, prompting Brown to shove Triplette to the ground. Brown later filed a $200 million lawsuit, alleging that the injury ended his career.


In 2003, he made an unlikely comeback, rejoining the Ravens and starting 34 games over three seasons. In all, he played for the Browns from 1993 through 1995, the Ravens from 1996 through 1998 (after the moved from Cleveland), the Browns in 1999, and the Ravens from 2003 through 2005.


“He was a beast on the field and a great friend off it,” Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “It’s a shame he had to leave us so young.”


We send our condolences to Brown’s family, teammates, and friends.

R.I.P. Mr. Orlando Brown.

[Listercat]

I was / am shocked to hear of this news; how horrible

RIP Man

[Vegasdogg]

Cause of death? That's a bummer. I wonder what happened.

[nickers]

R.I.P Orlando Brown.

[mario]

Something probably to do with weighing 360lbs. These lineman on both sides of the ball are way too heavy and live unhealthy lifestyles.

[TheJustPull]

Sad news to hear, left us before his time.

[Vegasdogg]

I lost my father 6 years ago today, and I just heard my football coach died today as well. Geez I hope I make it through today.

[Enigmatic Evil]

The guy was a beast and I remember the flag incident, didn't realize it was him.

RIP

[Riffer X]

Too young to die, man.

I would be willing to bet that he is one of the most feared guys to ever play the game. He was a teddy bear type, but when he lost it he lost it huge. He grew up in DC and I highly doubt he ever got messed with unless by gunpoint, dude was massive and strong as an ox--cock strong. He was the kind of guy you would much rather have as a friend than an enemy.

His first go around here he was raw as they come, but he actually become more than just a road grader by the time his second go around came. That Triplette flag really ruined his career for the most part.

[Listercat]

Very sorry to hear of this news; dude was my age...huge moment of pause

[Flugel]

I'll never forget the awesome job Orlando Brown did against all the impressive guys in the NFC East we weren't supposed to be able to run on. He was a BEAST when we ran the ball and that had alot to do with getting Leroy Hoard in the Pro Bowl. Here's how cool it was. Hoard ran over so many defenders as a tailback looking like a throwback FB that his position on the Pro Bowl roster became FB.

I really liked Orlando Brown. If I'm not mistaking he was actually appointed a team captain. In any event, one of my favorite stories was they were loading up the leg press with over 1000 pounds for Zeus and BB said we don't need to risk injury to prove we haven't ever had anyone stronger here. That was a phenominal find in the land of the undrafted.

God bless him!

[hiwaygal]

Originally Posted by Vegasdogg

I lost my father 6 years ago today, and I just heard my football coach died today as well. Geez I hope I make it through today.

Sorry for your losses Veg.


Wow, he was young! Rest in peace big man.