MADISON — Gary Brown, who coached the Wisconsin operating backs final season however was unable to journey with the staff to the Las Vegas Bowl in December on account of medical points, died Sunday.
Brown was 52 years previous.
He’s survived by his spouse, Kim, his daughters Malena and Dorianna and his son Tre.
Brown, who coached for 11 seasons within the NFL, earned the respect of UW coaches and gamers throughout his solely season on Paul Chryst’s staff.
“It’s been powerful,” operating again Chez Mellusi mentioned earlier this spring when requested about Brown’s disappearance. “I in all probability wouldn’t be right here with out Coach Brown. It was powerful for me, however crucial factor is his well being. As unhappy as it’s, that’s crucial factor.”
Beneath his tutelage, Braelon Allen grew to become one of many Massive Ten’s prime operating backs final season.
Allen took over after UW misplaced Mellusi (815 yards, 5 TDs) to a season-ending knee damage in November and completed with 1,268 yards, averaging 6.8 yards and 12 touchdowns . He was a consensus second-team decide, the entire Massive Ten.
Brown, a local of Williamsport, Pa., was operating again at Penn State. He performed for 3 groups for eight seasons within the NFL earlier than retiring in 1999.
He was identified with most cancers twice, first when he was in his early 40s and training operating backs with the Cleveland Browns. Medical doctors discovered most cancers in his colon and liver. He underwent chemotherapy and surgical procedure and was finally wholesome.
The second time got here shortly after the 2019 season, when Brown was amongst a number of Dallas Cowboys assistants who weren’t retained by new head coach Mike McCarthy. This time, docs found a malignant tumor close to Brown’s pancreas.
Brown opted for immunotherapy, didn’t coach in 2020, then joined the UW employees to exchange John Settle.
Brown was present process therapy when the Badgers traveled to Las Vegas and defeated Arizona State, 20-13, on Dec. 30.
His situation deteriorated, and UW officers finally concluded that Brown wouldn’t be capable to coach this season, though they deliberate to assist him financially.
Shortly after becoming a member of the employees at UW, Brown opened up about how he determined to stay regardless of two most cancers diagnoses.
“Once you’re sitting by yourself and also you’re by yourself and also you’re interested by what’s subsequent,” he mentioned, “you’re actually interested by the issues that might be taken away from you. Not simply soccer, however your loved ones and your mates.
“He’ll do one in every of two issues to you. It’s going to eat you up and also you’re going to bend over and go to a nook and die, otherwise you’re going to battle.
“My dad and mom raised me to battle.”
As information of Brown’s passing unfold Sunday night time, UW gamers shared their grief on Twitter.
“This one hurts,” Allen wrote. “Relaxation simple, coach. »
Extensive receiver Markus Allen wrote, “By no means surprise why you meet sure folks in life, God places folks in your path for a purpose. Love Coach GB.”
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