Texas Tech University Athletics
Brown Selected to Hall of Fame
May 09, 2007 | Football
May 9, 2007
LUBBOCK, Texas - Although he didn't suit up for the Red and Black, former assistant football coach Dave Brown was a great representative of Texas Tech and college football during his five seasons with the Red Raiders. Brown, who passed away suddenly last year, will be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in New York City in December.
"It is a tremendous honor for David to be one of a select few to be recognized for his hard work, dedication and God given talent as a football player at the University of Michigan," said his wife Rhonda. "I would rather be watching him receive the award but on behalf of myself, our sons and his extended family, I gladly accept this honor on his behalf."
A five-year veteran on the Red Raider coaching staff, Brown coached the cornerbacks since his arrival in 2001. He initially retired from coaching in 1998 after a seven-year run as cornerbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks, but returned to the sideline three seasons later for his only collegiate position. Brown was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and held weekly bible studies for Texas Tech student-athletes. His faith in God and his leadership made him one of the most admired individuals on the Texas Tech campus.
"Dave was one of the greatest and most talented individuals I have ever met," said Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach. "I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor and our football program is better from having known him. He achieved greatness at the college level, the NFL and in life."
"It's a great honor for my dad to be inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame," stated his eldest son Aaron. "We are so proud of what he accomplished on the field but more impressed with the kind of man and father he was off the field."
The College Football Hall of Fame is recognizing Brown for his playing career at the University of Michigan in mid-1970s, where he was a two-time All-America defensive back at the University of Michigan, before beginning a 16-year professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975. Brown participated in the Steelers' Super Bowl X win against the Dallas Cowboys, before being picked up by Seattle in the 1976 expansion draft. The move proved to be a good one for Brown, who spent the next 11 seasons with the Seahawks.
A 1984 All-Pro selection, Brown holds the all-time record in Seattle with 50 interceptions and was enshrined in the Seahawk's Ring of Honor for his contributions. He finished his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers for four seasons before retiring in 1990.
