Article author:
Reuters
Brig Owens, a defensive back in Washington for 12 of the 13 NFL seasons, died at the age of 79.
According to a statement from the Military Bowl Foundation, he died on Tuesday. Board member. The cause of his death was not revealed.
"Brig was a very special person," Steve Beck, Chairman and Executive Director of the Military Bowl Foundation, said in a statement. "He has a very strong belief in helping others and has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to give back to the community. He is an important part of the Military Bowl Foundation and is a military officer in our country.
Owens, from Linden, Texas, was second in 36 intercepts and 686 intercepts in Washington's franchise history. It is ranked first in the return yard. He has recorded five defensive touchdowns in his career (three in INT and two in fumble returns) and is one of only four players in club history with a defensive score of five or more.
Owens recorded end zone interception with the appearance of his only Super Bowl. It lost 14-7 to the undefeated Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl VII. He also defeated the New York Giants 72-41 in 1966, recording two defensive touchdowns, a 62-yard fumble return and a 60-yard intercept return. This is the highest scoring game in NFL history. Owens made three passcuts in the game.
The respected black Owens also made a name for himself in training camps and road trips with the former tight-end Jerry Smith, who was white, in his 12-season room. They became the league's first interracial roommates.
Owens, a member of the Washington Circle of Fame, was by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of 1965 after a renowned college career in a quarterback in Cincinnati. It was drafted. Dallas successfully moved him and traded him to Washington after the rookie season spent as a bystander.
Owens quickly became a safety starter in Washington, leading the team in 1966 with seven picks. This is one of three seasons with 5 or more INTs in his career. He played in all Washington games for 11 consecutive seasons from 1966 to 1976 and did not miss the game until the final year of 1977.
In his career, Owens played 158 games and started 123 games. All in Washington.
– Field-level media
