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There is no doubt, in all aspects of life, there are some things that really are underappreciated—especially when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In this series as we approach the 2021 NFL regular season, I will examine former (and some current) Pittsburgh Steelers that can sometimes be forgotten when we talk about Steelers history. Some of these Steelers had brief careers, some excellent longevity. However, while every player has played a role, some have gone under the radar despite their contributions. This could be due to the era they played in, the talent in that era, or even just some of the Steelers teams they played on.
When most Steelers fans think of the name Larry Brown, they may become ill when thinking of (quarterback name censored) throwing two picks to the Dallas Cowboys defensive back in Super Bowl XXX. However, in this series, we obviously won’t be discussing the former Super Bowl MVP. We are going to look at a versatile, stable player who spent his time as a key contributor to the Steelers dynasty of the 70’s—and even was the key player who helped spark a dynasty.
Larry Brown was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1949—the same state he would play his high school football in. He was recruited to the University of Kansas where he played alongside future Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. After his college career, he would be drafted by the Steelers in the 5th round with the 106th overall pick.
Larry Brown originally was drafted as a tight end—in an era where tight ends weren’t used as heavily in the passing game as they are today. Over his pass-catching career, he recorded 48 catches, 636 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. While his pass-catching numbers weren’t flashy, there was one thing he did in the passing game that stands out: sparking a dynasty.
Everyone will agree the Immaculate Reception was the play that got the Steelers out of the hole of misery and made them competitive. Some say this was the “spark” of a dynasty. Others will argue the big hit and pick by Mel Blount in Super Bowl IX was the “spark” of a dynasty. While those are undeniably important plays in Steelers history, for me the ultimate spark was created by Larry Brown.
With a little over three and a half minutes to go in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl IX, the Steelers faced 3rd and goal from the Vikings 4-yard line; up 9 to 6. A field goal would keep Minnesota alive. A touchdown could end it. Terry Bradshaw would take the snap, roll to the right, and fire a ball so hard that Andy Russell in America’s Game described it as, “hitting [Larry Brown’s] shoulder plate so hard it could be heard in the whole stadium…like a gun going off.” The Vikings were done and the Steelers began their dynasty of the ’70s.
After two Super Bowls under his belt, Brown would switch to playing offensive tackle, leading the way for Franco’s Italian Army to two more Super Bowls. He would retire after playing in his final AFC Title game in 1984. He finished his career with four championships, 3 Pro Bowl selections, and would be inducted into the Steelers Ring of Honor in 2019.
While his time was spent playing alongside 5 other Hall of Fame players on the Steelers’ offense, make no mistake Larry Brown was a stable force who only trails Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Webster as the longest-tenured Steelers players in franchise history—spending it only with the Steelers. Steelers legendary coach Chuck Noll even recognizes that Brown is deserving of the Hall of Fame; quickly naming him as a player not enshrined who should be. To me, his contributions are sorely underappreciated by the Hall of Fame and at times Steeler Nation. Make no mistake, he embodied the Steelers logo throughout his career.
To this I say: Thank you, Larry Brown, for being a Pittsburgh Steeler! And you deserve to be in the Hall of Fame alongside your teammates!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
When most Steelers fans think of the name Larry Brown, they may become ill when thinking of (quarterback name censored) throwing two picks to the Dallas Cowboys defensive back in Super Bowl XXX. However, in this series, we obviously won’t be discussing the former Super Bowl MVP. We are going to look at a versatile, stable player who spent his time as a key contributor to the Steelers dynasty of the 70’s—and even was the key player who helped spark a dynasty.
Larry Brown was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1949—the same state he would play his high school football in. He was recruited to the University of Kansas where he played alongside future Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. After his college career, he would be drafted by the Steelers in the 5th round with the 106th overall pick.
Larry Brown originally was drafted as a tight end—in an era where tight ends weren’t used as heavily in the passing game as they are today. Over his pass-catching career, he recorded 48 catches, 636 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. While his pass-catching numbers weren’t flashy, there was one thing he did in the passing game that stands out: sparking a dynasty.
Everyone will agree the Immaculate Reception was the play that got the Steelers out of the hole of misery and made them competitive. Some say this was the “spark” of a dynasty. Others will argue the big hit and pick by Mel Blount in Super Bowl IX was the “spark” of a dynasty. While those are undeniably important plays in Steelers history, for me the ultimate spark was created by Larry Brown.
With a little over three and a half minutes to go in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl IX, the Steelers faced 3rd and goal from the Vikings 4-yard line; up 9 to 6. A field goal would keep Minnesota alive. A touchdown could end it. Terry Bradshaw would take the snap, roll to the right, and fire a ball so hard that Andy Russell in America’s Game described it as, “hitting [Larry Brown’s] shoulder plate so hard it could be heard in the whole stadium…like a gun going off.” The Vikings were done and the Steelers began their dynasty of the ’70s.
After two Super Bowls under his belt, Brown would switch to playing offensive tackle, leading the way for Franco’s Italian Army to two more Super Bowls. He would retire after playing in his final AFC Title game in 1984. He finished his career with four championships, 3 Pro Bowl selections, and would be inducted into the Steelers Ring of Honor in 2019.
While his time was spent playing alongside 5 other Hall of Fame players on the Steelers’ offense, make no mistake Larry Brown was a stable force who only trails Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Webster as the longest-tenured Steelers players in franchise history—spending it only with the Steelers. Steelers legendary coach Chuck Noll even recognizes that Brown is deserving of the Hall of Fame; quickly naming him as a player not enshrined who should be. To me, his contributions are sorely underappreciated by the Hall of Fame and at times Steeler Nation. Make no mistake, he embodied the Steelers logo throughout his career.
To this I say: Thank you, Larry Brown, for being a Pittsburgh Steeler! And you deserve to be in the Hall of Fame alongside your teammates!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
