(Russ Reed/Bay Area News Group archive), December 22, 1973 Oakland, CA - Willie Brown runs for the Raiders against the Steelers in this divisional playoff game. Willie Brown Obituary. Claim: Vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris had an extramarital affair with former San Francisco Mayor and State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, who gave her two political appointments that launche… He attended the Liberty County public schools. William Ferdie Brown (December 2, 1940 – October 21, 2019) was an American professional football player, coach, and executive. Back to Full List. Willie Lee Monroe Brown, 63, of Monticello, AR passed away on September 24, 2020 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello, Arkansas. William Ferdie Brown was an American professional football player, coach, and executive. Cold temperatures to recede for Texas this weekend, Israeli opposition horrified by Netanyahu deal with homophobic party, NY Gov. Willie Brown does not have the coronavirus. (Dan Honda/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland Raiders Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown signs autographs for students from KIPP Bridge School in Oakland following a ceremony outside City Hall to kick off the 2013 Raiders football season, Monday, Sept. 9, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. (D. Ross Cameron/Bay Area News Group archive), Former Oakland Raiders' Willie Brown competes at the Madden-Mariucci "Battle of the Bay" Charity Bocce Tournament at Campo di Bocce facility in Livermore, Calif., Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Russ Reed/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland, CA January 10, 1977 - Willie Browns signs a pennant for Ernestine Holmes at the Oakland Airport. The cause of death was not immediately known. In a question and answer session with fans on Raiders.com in 2012, Brown described his initial meeting with Davis as his greatest moment with the organization. (Howard Erker/Bay Area News Group archive), December 12, 1974 Oakland, CA - Raider trainer George Anderson works on Willie Brown, right, while Jimmy Warren waits his turn. Ex-Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther finds a new job, “We extend our condolences to Willie’s family, the Raiders organization, and fans around the world.”. pic.twitter.com/KlcmGSoXhd, — NFL Throwback (@nflthrowback) October 22, 2019. She was immediately drawn to his air of sadness and they struck up a correspondence. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The success rate of undrafted free agents … Willie Brown - Death Notice. Brown was already a star in Denver, but the Raiders owner got him along with quarterback Mickey Slaughter in exchange for defensive tackle Rex Mirich and a third-round draft pick. Willie Brown was sentenced to death in 1983 for the fatal shooting of a woman, Valerie Ann Roberson Dixon, during the robbery of the convenience where she was working. The San Francisco Chronicle called Brown "one of San Francisco's most notable mayors", adding that he had "celebrity beyond the city's boundaries." Willie was always a welcome guest at the NFL Draft and I enjoyed visiting with him each year. That’s probably the greatest moment.”. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group archive), CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device. Read Full Obituary. Willie was born on January 31, 1957 to Marvis and Sadie Mae Griffin Brown. He is pictured in 2009. American football players came across sad news after the Raiders, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the departure of their Hall of Fame cornerback, Willie Brown. Willie Brown was born on 2nd December 1940 in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Entire Oakley school board resigns over embarrassing hot mic moment during public meeting, Niantic reveals last-minute updates to Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto, Dear Abby: He tells my traumatic story to total strangers, and it hurts me, Two California residents arrested for Hawaii quarantine violation, Miss Manners: She damaged my car and got mad when I asked her to pay, Ask Amy: I'm a millennial and I worry that my manners make people uncomfortable, Dear Abby: My 11-year-old won't tell her grandparents why she can't wear these clothes, Harriette Cole: My neighbors were rude to my kids, and I feel like saying something. Preceding him in death, one brother, Rev. With your support, we can continue bringing these stories — and much more — to your screens. Inside the Raiders: Fans may blame defense, but Gruden’s offense needs offseason attention, too "Willie lived the Raiders' motto 'Commitment to Excellence' with integrity and touched the lives of hundreds of NFL players with his wisdom and wit,". He took the time to come to Denver, fly in, talk to me about joining the Raiders. He was 76. NFL: Eagles trade QB Wentz to Colts for draft picks, source says He died in Tracy, California, on 21st October 2019 at the age of 78. Born in … Willie Brown was the Hall of Fame legendary Oakland Raiders cornerback whose 75-yard interception return for a touchdown helped the franchise win their first Super Bowl in the 1976 season. Willie Brown Death Fact Check Willie is alive and kicking and is currently 86 years old. My job was top stop the receiver from catching it. The NFL's Throwback Twitter feed, which posts video from the NFL archive, wrote: "We mourn the passing of @ProFootballHOF CB and @Raiders legend Willie Brown.". The #BETAwards2020 memorialized the wrong Willie Brown. (Russ Reed/Bay Area News Group archive), December 22, 1973 Oakland, CA - Willie Brown runs for a touch down against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional playoffs. “Willie lived the Raiders’ motto “Commitment to Excellence” with integrity and touched the lives of hundreds of NFL players with his wisdom and wit. Four months later, they were “married,” exchanging vows at a pre-arranged hour from 50 miles apart. Willie Mae Brown was born on April 9, 1933, in Sandersville, Georgia, and was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Willie Lee Brown. "He was a Raider," team … Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he played with such notables as Charley Patton, Son House, and Robert Johnson. Willie Brown Jr. Death | Willie Brown Jr. Obituary – On the 19th of October 2020, Willie Brown Jr. was found hanging from a basketball rim at Countryside Community Park. He was born on March 10, 1946 in New Orleans, La to the union of Ivory and Vivian Brown. OAKLAND, CA (KGO) -- One of the greatest players in the history of the Oakland Raiders has died. (Ron Reisterer/Bay Area News Group archive), Former player Willie Brown was on hand as the Oakland Raiders introduced Jon Gruden as their new head coach at the team facility in Alameda, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. He was arrested shortly after the murder, driving Valerie's car. The couple have been separated since 1976 but have never divorced…Long before she was a United States senator, Kamala Harris was known as Willie Brown’s girlfriend in the early 1990s… Willie Brown has a daughter, Sydney, by political fundraiser Carolyn Carpeneti. Willie Brown Coronavirus Does Willie Brown Have the coronavirus? Former Oakland Raiders great and NFL Hall of Famer Willie Brown, whose interception and touchdown run in Super Bowl XI became one of the team's iconic moments, has died. (Howard Erker/Bay Area News Group archive), Berkeley, CA January 26, 1977 - Willie Ellis takes the blood pressure of Oakland Raiders defensive back Willie Brown. If I could have played 15 or 20 years without an interception, that would have been fine. Longtime Oakland Raiders defensive back and Hall of Famer Willie Brown has died at 78, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He served as the head football coach at California State University, Long Beach in 1991, the final season before the school's football program was terminated. (Lonnie Wilson/Bay Area News Group archive), Santa Rosa, CA May 7, 1982 - Willie Brown at Raiders training camp. Brown is also a member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Willie Lee Brown (August 6, 1900 – December 30, 1952) was an American blues guitar player and vocalist.He performed and recorded with other notable blues musicians, including Son House and Charlie Patton, and was an influence on Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Willie Lewis Brown Jr. (born March 20, 1934) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. His character, on and off the field, made all those around him better. ALAMEDA — Willie Brown, one of the legendary figures in Raiders history and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died, the club announced Tuesday. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. by Tom LaMarre. He once had four interceptions in one game, against the New York Jets in 1964. "The success that your family and community sowed into Willie has helped advance our institution in ways that are hard to count," Grambling State president Rick Gallot said. He played as a cornerback for the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League. Willie Ross Hunt Obituary. Following his playing career, Brown remained with the Raiders as an assistant coach. When the Raiders won their first Super Bowl following the 1976 season, Brown intercepted a Fran Tarkenton pass and ran it 75 yards for a touchdown, with NFL Films footage of Brown’s return and announcer Bill King’s call of “Old Man Willie” leaving an indelible image among the fan base. 1995 and Willie Brown on a … What should Raiders fans make of Russell Wilson trade rumors? He played for the Raiders through 1978 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1984. (Roy H. Williams/Bay Area News Group archive), August 15, 1970 Santa Rosa, CA - The 1970 defensive Oakland Raiders lineup at their training camp facility in Santa Rosa. (Roy H. Williams/Bay Area News Group archive), Santa Rosa, CA July 6, 1979 - Oakland Raiders secondary coach Willie Brown, right, gives advice to a young player. Oakland Raiders legend Willie Brown has died at the age of 78. Willie Brown Sr. Former Red Boiling Springs Mayor, Mr. Willie Brown, died Friday morning July 17, 2020 at the Smith County Health and Rehabilitation Center in Carthage where he had been a resident since July 2nd. @Raiders," he wrote. Reports says that Willie Brown Jr. has finally passed away on the a video shared by family on the 26th of October 2020 confirmed. The Oklahoman (January 21, 2019) Oklahoma City OK Brown, Willie: 98, died Jan. 12, 2019. He was 76. Former wide receiver Cliff Branch died at age 71 on Aug. 3 of natural causes, and others who passed away and were included in an on-field memorial during the preseason opener were Josh Atkinson, son of former Raiders safety George Atkinson, wide receiver Warren Wells, linebacker Duane Benson, defensive end Cedric Hardman, running back Clem Daniels, assistant coach Bob Zeman, friend of the organization and Oakland native MacArthur Lane and assistant coach Guenther Cunningham. Brown told the San Francisco Chronicle that he received a flood of calls from family and friends checking in on him. Little is known of the man whom Robert Johnson called "my friend boy Willie Brown" (in his prophetic "Cross Road Blues") and who Johnson indicated should be notified in event of his death. (Kenneth Green/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland, CA October 24, 1976 - Green Bay Packer Steve Odom tackles Willie Brown for an incomplete pass. After playing football at Grambling State University, Brown went undrafted into the then-AFL. Willie Brown, the Hall of Fame cornerback who played in two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders, has died. Willie Brown Death Fact Check. Please accept Echovita’s sincere condolences. Share your memories of Willie Brown on social media: shares . All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Dececmber 13, 1969 Oakland, CA - Oakland Raider receives the Bill Gorman Trophy for most inspirational player. Former Oakland Raiders Pro Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown died at 78, team owner Mark Davis confirmed Tuesday. Harris Dated Brown Until He Was Elected San Francisco’s Mayor in the Mid 1990s & Considers the Relationship an ‘Albatross’. As a player, coach, and executive, Willie served as a tremendous ambassador for the Raiders and football for more than 50 years. (Bill Crouch/Bay Area News Group archive), Santa Rosa, CA July 20,1976 - John Madden inquires about Willie Brown's injured hand. In the meantime, Brown met the German-born Esther Lichtenfels, an anti-death penalty activist, at a party for condemned prisoners who did not have other holiday visitors on Christmas Day, 1983. God rest your soul Willie B.”, David Baker, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, issued the following statement regarding Brown: “The entire Hall of Fame family mourns the loss of a great man. (Kenneth Green/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland, CA September 25, 1977 - Willie Brown rests after an interception. He was 78. We mourn the passing of @ProFootballHOF CB and @Raiders legend Willie Brown. Willie Brown Was Undrafted and Cut by His First Team. Willie Brown passed away at the age of 78. After retirement, Brown was an assistant coach for the Raiders from 1979 through 1988. Willie Mae Brown, 76, of 2215 Woodlawn Road, wife of Wayne Edward Brown, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021, at Self Regional Medical Center. William is alive and kicking and is currently 80 years old. (Ron Riesterer/Bay Area News Group archive), October 1, 1972 Oakland, CA - Willie Brown recovers a fumble by San Diego Charger QB John Hadl, no. Willie Brown, 62, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 in Topeka, KS. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Kaiser expanding who it’s vaccinating. Willie Lewis Brown Jr. (born March 20, 1934) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. Willie Brown, the former USC star who was the original tailback at Tailback U., has died. He belongs to American nationality and African-American ethnicity. (CNN) Longtime Oakland Raiders defensive back and Hall of Famer Willie Brown has died at 78, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The university sent its condolences to his family. 21. A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 5pm-7pm at … Raiders coach Jon Gruden described the news as “crushing” in a text message. Ex-Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther finds a new job. He exemplified the Raider spirit, originally entering the AFL as an undrafted free agent out of Grambling State before joining the Silver and Black in 1967. (Roy H. Williams/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland, CA December 27, 1970 - Willie Brown intercepts the ball from the Miami Dolphins for a touch down in this divisional playoff game. In describing his job as a cornerback, Brown said in his Hall of Fame biography: “My job was not catching passes. His light shined brightest when he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Funeral Home Services for Willie are being provided by Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel. Raiders owner Mark Davis issued a statement on the team’s Web site: “It’s a very sad day for the Raider Nation as a whole.. and for my family in particular.. Willie Brown was one of the greatest to ever play the game.. but it was off the field and how he treated my mom for which I will forever be indebted to him.. every road trip it was Willie who helped my mom up and down the stairs of the plane.. it was Willie who joined her for all dinners on the road.. it was Willie who came to her every birthday and Mother’s Day dinner.. it was Willie who was her best friend.. we loved and will miss you Willie…”. The Raiders organization mourned the loss of Brown in a statement on the team’s website: “Willie Brown will forever be cherished as a true Raider. On the field, Brown helped revolutionize the way cornerback was played through “bump and run” man-to-man coverage favored by Davis. Former head coach Jack Del Rio wrote on Twitter: “He was a great player in his day and a kind soul who always brought a smile. Brown was 78 years old. (CNN)Longtime Oakland Raiders defensive back and Hall of Famer Willie Brown has died at 78, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brown forced her to get in her car and then drove Valerie to a rural area. "This Willie Brown they were talking about is … ", Hall of Famer for the Oakland Raiders dies at 78, 'Forged over decades': WH reporter on Biden, Dole relationship, Police: 'Amazing' that there are no reports of injuries, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez visits Texas after winter storm, Georgia GOP pushing new sweeping bill to restrict voting, How one Texas city avoided disaster during the storm, Biden shares when he expects a return to normalcy, US national security adviser on massive hack: We're looking beyond sanctions, 'Bad brain fog': Patients who had Covid-19 reveal new phenomenon, Federal judge reveals Justice Sotomayor was targeted by gunman. Willie was a good guy, a team captain, and a true Raider from the day he joined our team in 1967, until he passed away today. Willie Brown married the former Blanche Vitero in 1958. 92953966, citing Evergreen Negro Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA ; Maintained by James Triplett (contributor 47179842) . 2. He later became mayor of San Francisco, and was the first African American to hold that office. 63, rushes to congratulate Otis Sistrunk, Willie Brown, and Tony Cline on a winning divisional playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, over a 10-year span there was a … (Roy H. Williams/Bay Area News Group archive), November 10, 1947 Oakland, CA - Willie Brown nurses a knee injury on the sidelines. Here’s what you need to know, NFL: Eagles trade QB Wentz to Colts for draft picks, source says, Inside the Raiders: Fans may blame defense, but Gruden’s offense needs offseason attention, too, Raiders and J.J. Watt: Five things to consider. Brown was 78. Willie Brown passed away at the age of 78. It’s been a difficult year for the Raiders organization. Willie Brown was the epitome of the Raiders’ motto of ‘commitment to excellence’ that was integral to the team’s sustained success. Bay Area Gardening 101: How to grow great tomatoes. As a youth, Willie The football player passed away on Monday on October 22, 2019, in Tracy, California, at the age of 78. SACRAMENTO, Calif — A man who was found hanging at a Sacramento park earlier in October has died, according to a video shared by family on Oct. 26. Anything beyond stopping a receiver, that’s gravy.”. Brown was born December 2, 1940, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he grew up and went to high school before attending Grambling. Raiders and J.J. Watt: Five things to consider under increasing attack for Covid-related nursing home deaths, Biden used 3 key stats to make a point. Since its inception back in 1999, this event has raised nearly $3.5 million for local and national charities. Brown certainly hasn’t gone … Willie H. Brown, Jr., the first born child of the late Ida Mae and Willie H. Brown, Sr., bounced into the world on August 21, 1943. For complete Oakland Raiders coverage follow us on Flipboard. He was initially cut by the Houston Oilers before catching on with Denver. Having heard about this great loss, the family of this individual is passing through pains, … Willie Brown, a player and assistant coach on Trojan national championship football and baseball teams, died July 26, 2018, in Carson, Calif., of cancer. Find the obituary of Willie Brown (1937 - 2021) from Guyton, GA. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Willie Brown (unknown–unknown), Find a Grave Memorial no. From left: Nemiah Wilson, Willie Brown, Dave Grayson, and George Atkinson. Brown played 16 seasons in the American Football … Why was Willie Brown’s death immediately ruled a suicide? Willie Brown … Brown played 16 seasons in the American Football League and the NFL and was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1984. Jerry McDonald has been with the Bay Area News Group for more than 30 years, with a heavy concentration of NFL football since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995. Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, who finished his career with the Raiders. Willie Brown, the Hall of Fame cornerback who authored one of the iconic moments in Raiders history with a late interception in Super Bowl XI, has died, the team confirmed Tuesday. "His legacy on the field and as a Grambling legend has inspired countless students, student athletes, and leaders for generations. Jan 24, 1920 - Jan 12, 2019. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement included Brown’s annual presence at the NFL draft. We invite you to share condolences for Willie Brown in our Guest Book. “The entire Hall of Fame family mourns the loss of … It was a comfort to a coach to be able to have Willie Brown in the defensive backfield. He was 78. We are sad to announce that on February 18, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Willie Ross Hunt (Hartsville, South Carolina). Willie Jasper Brown February 19, 1947 – January 9, 2021 Mr. Willie Jasper “Bro” Brown, 73, of Danbury, CT, passed away on January 9, 2021 at Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, Ridgefield, CT after a … They had three children: Susan, Robin, and Michael. Willie Lee Monroe Brown, 63, of Monticello, AR passed away on September 24, 2020 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello, Arkansas. (Leo Cohen/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland, CA July 31, 1977 - Willie Brown with his daughters Allison, 6, and Antoinette, 8, and the Oakland Raiders Family Day. "My heart mourns for a wonder man, a great player and a awesome friend! Brown was an assistant coach for the Raiders from 1979 through 1988 and later rejoined the team in an advisory role. Updated 2357 GMT (0757 HKT) October 22, 2019. The cause of death has not been released. He had 39 career interceptions with the Raiders and 54 in his career. Willie was born on January 31, 1957 to Marvis and Sadie Mae Griffin Brown. He embodied virtues like passion, integrity, perseverance and always led by example. there's more than one Willie Brown: (August 6, 1900 - December 30, 1952) was an American Delta Blues guitarist and singer. Willie Brown-Wylie passed away on February 13, 2021 at the age of 83 in GUYTON, Georgia. Please ignore rumors and hoaxes. To be clear, he is alive and well. 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.”. Brown returned to the Raiders in an administrative role in 1995 and was a team “ambassador” until his death, often representing the organization for functions such as the NFL Draft. Obituary. If you have not already, we strongly encourage you to sign up for a digital subscription, which gives you access to all content on the Mercury News and East Bay Times websites. ", "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," team officials said in a statement. He was raised by his aunt, the late Elizabeth Collins after his mother passed away. (Kenneth Green/Bay Area News Group archive), Oakland, CA December 7, 1969 - Raiders' Willie Brown outraces Bengals' Eric Crabtree to make interception. He was not known to be a self-promoting frontman, preferring to "second" (accompany) other musicians. He remained an integral part of the organization through six decades. Brown served over 30 years in the California State Assembly, spending 15 years as its speaker. There will never be another Willie Brown aka "blu go"! The Raiders said he "exemplified the Raider spirit. As friends and families of the deceased are mourning the passing of their loved and cherished Willie Brown. Willie had a strong belief and faith in Christ. Prayers to his family.”. Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown, one of the most beloved players in Oakland Raiders history, died on Tuesday at the age of 78, the team confirmed. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Willie Ronnon Brown (10 Oct 1887–6 Dec 1937), Find a Grave Memorial no. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. (Ron Riesterer/Bay Area News Group archive)), December 22, 1973 Oakland, CA - An injured Gene Upshaw, No. pic.twitter.com/KlcmGSoXhd. Willie Brown Urged Harris Not to Accept the VP Position in an Op-Ed. #WillieBrownJr #VarietyConversation #Suicide 38 year old Willie Brown, Jr. is said to have committed suicide by hanging. Here is Willie Ross Hunt’s obituary. If you have any unfortunate news that this page should be update with, please let us know using this form. Willie Brown, of course, was California's most powerful politician, which might have had something to do with why Harris was out 'dating' the married man twice her age. Willie Brown Jr. was found hanging from a basketball rim on the courts of Countryside Park in South Sacramento by an unnamed witness at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 19. Cause of Death: Willie Brown. Brown shot Valerie to death and dumped her body. Reporter to Ted Cruz: What were you thinking? He played as a cornerback for the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). ", Brown played in two Super Bowls for the Raiders, famously returning an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in the team's. Please accept Echovita’s sincere condolences. The touchdown against the Vikings was one of seven Brown had in the postseason, three of which he returned for touchdowns. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Raiders’ great Willie Brown. Willie Brown, a two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer who was one of the leaders of the Oakland Raiders' golden era, died Tuesday at 78. “Probably the greatest memory as a Raider is coming to the Raiders, meeting Al Davis in Denver,” Brown said. Willie Brown, a former cornerback of the Raiders and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at age 78. During a memorabilia appearance last year in Petaluma, Brown told the local Argus-Courier, “Nobody had seen the bump and run until I played it.”. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown talks about the death of his friend Ed Lee We mourn the passing of @ProFootballHOF CB and @Raiders legend Willie Brown. Brown was acquired by Raiders owner Al Davis after four seasons with the Denver Broncos in 1967. Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi on Dec. 2, 1940, Brown played at Grambling and was not drafted upon graduation. He was always enthusiastic and optimistic about the Raiders’ picks and upcoming season.Related Articles Brown served over 30 years in the California State Assembly, spending 15 years as its speaker. 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. (Ron Riesterer/Bay Area News Group archive), December 22, 1976 - Willie Brown and wife Liz celebrate Christmas with their children Willie Jr, Allison (left) and Antoinette. Willie Brown, the Hall of Fame cornerback who helped the Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl title, died Tuesday. Willie Brown Death – Dead: A great loss was made known to InsideEko. The cause of death was not immediately revealed, but later in the day it was reported that Brown lost a lengthy battle with cancer. For complete Oakland Raiders coverage follow us on Flipboard. Willie Brown, a Hall of Fame defensive back for the Oakland Raiders in the 1960s and ’70s who memorably returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in a …