Larry Brown
A versatile Steeler who played tight end and tackle across all four of the team's first Super Bowl victories.
Lawrence Brown (born June 16, 1949) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end and offensive tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks, and played on the 1968 Orange Bowl squad with future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins and pro quarterback Bobby Douglass. Brown played as a tight end from 1971 to 1976, and as a tackle from 1977 to 1984.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Tight end, tackle
- Born
- 16 June 1949
- Birthplace
- Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
- High school
- Bradford (Starke, Florida)
- College
- Kansas
- Draft year
- 1971
- Draft round
- 5
- Draft pick
- 106
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.
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. 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.
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