Willie Brown, NFL Hall of Famer, Dies at 78 after Reportedly Battling Cancer

Team officials confirm that former Oakland Raiders player and NFL Hall of Famer Willie Brown passed away at age 78 after a tough battle with cancer.

Oakland Raiders defensive back Willie Brown has died of cancer at 78-years-old. He played 16 seasons in the American Football League and the NFL before being enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1984.

The Raiders expressed their grief over losing Brown, although they assure everyone that his legacy will always be remembered.

"Willie's loss will leave a tremendous void, but his leadership and presence will always be a major part of the fabric of the Raiders family."

Remembering Brown's Legacy

Brown played football at Grambling State University before going undrafted into the American Football League. While he was cut from the Houston Oilers, he played four seasons with the Denver Broncos and another 12 with the Oakland Raiders.

In total, he played 204 games from 1963 to 1978 and was an all-league selection seven times. He is remembered for having exemplified true "Raider spirit."

How He is Remembered

Remembering his contributions to the team, officials released a statement saying he was a great player, coach, mentor and administrator.

"His legendary performance on the field changed the way the cornerback position was played and his valued guidance as a coach, mentor and administrator permeated the organization and touched countless individuals both on and off the field."

Another NFL Death

New of former NFL players passing away has sadly been quite common in the past couple of months, as another player, T.J. Cunningham, was killed over a parking space by his neighbor in Colorado earlier this year.

Anthony "T.J." Cunningham passed away after being shot by his neighbor over a parking spot dispute. Cunningham played for the Seattle Seahawks in the '90s and was killed near Eaglecrest Highschool after fighting with his neighbor.

Protecting their Legacies

Although Cunningham and his neighbor initially met to settle their differences, he ended up being shot by 31-year-old Marcus Johnson, who lives across from where the former player stays.

Both Cunningham and Brown will be remembered as good family men, with a strong passion for the sport which they dedicated most of their lives to. May they Rest In Peace.