Larry Brown

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Lawrence Brown was one of 22 players to play in all of the first four of the Steelers Super Bowl victories: Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XIII, and Super Bowl XIV. His role shifted over time, starting as a tight end from 1971 to 1976 before moving to offensive tackle from 1977 to 1984. Brown scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl IX against the Minnesota Vikings, a moment that capped a dominant defensive performance by the Steel Curtain. His ability to contribute at two different positions across fourteen seasons made him a steady presence during the franchise's rise to dynasty status.

In Their Own Story

The clock ticked down in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl IX, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were putting the finishing touches on their first championship. Lawrence Brown, a tight end at the time, found himself in the end zone late in the game against the Minnesota Vikings. He hauled in a pass that put an exclamation point on a 16-6 victory, a score that sealed the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy. Brown had started his NFL career as a tight end in 1971, catching passes from Terry Bradshaw, but by 1977 he had moved to offensive tackle, where he would spend the rest of his career. He was one of only 22 players to suit up for all four of the Steelers' early Super Bowl wins, a testament to his durability and versatility. From the Orange Bowl alongside John Riggins and Bobby Douglass to the Super Bowl stage, Brown's path was one of steady contribution and adaptability.

Reader's Guide

When looking at the Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty of the 1970s, Lawrence Brown stands out as a player who bridged two roles. He began as a tight end (1971-1976), catching passes and blocking in the run game. Then, from 1977 to 1984, he moved to offensive tackle, protecting the quarterback and opening holes for Franco Harris. His touchdown in Super Bowl IX came during his tight end years, a late-game score that put the game out of reach. Brown was one of 22 players to appear in all four of the Steelers' first Super Bowl wins (IX, X, XIII, XIV), a mark of longevity and consistency. He played college football at Kansas, where he was a teammate of John Riggins and Bobby Douglass on the 1968 Orange Bowl squad. For fans tracking the roster of those championship teams, Brown is a key figure who contributed at two positions over a 14-year career.

Did You Know?

• Lawrence Brown was one of only 22 players to play in all of the first four Steelers Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, and XIV).
• He scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl IX against the Minnesota Vikings.
• Brown played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks and was on the 1968 Orange Bowl squad with John Riggins and Bobby Douglass.
• He played as a tight end from 1971 to 1976, then switched to offensive tackle from 1977 to 1984.
• Brown was born on June 16, 1949.