Classic Jayhawks: Larry Brown’s versatility led him to great success

Larry Brown’s versatility as both an offensive tackle and tight end led him to thrive in the Kansas football program and in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 6-foot-4-inch swiss army knife of a player carved out success everywhere he went.

Brown played two seasons with Kansas football and had the distinct honor of playing on the 1968 team that went to the Orange Bowl. He recorded one career touchdown since he played the vast majority of his snaps at the tackle position. Brown was also a member of the 1968 Big 8 co-champion Jayhawks who split the title with Oklahoma.

He was a teammate of future NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer John Riggins during hist time with the Jayhawks, as well as Heisman trophy candidate Bobby Douglass.

Brown’s unique versatility made him an intriguing player going into the 1971 draft. After enjoying immense success at Kansas, Brown was selected with the 26th overall pick in the NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Similar to Kansas, Brown played two positions for the Steelers: tight end from 1971-76, and then tackle from 1977-1984.

After switching to tackle, Brown continued to put together a superb NFL career by racking up three pro bowl appearances in 1977, 1978 and 1982.  He was also part of the Steelers’ dynasty in the ’70s, having won Suberbowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV. Only 22 other Steelers can say they were part of all four of those Steeler championships.

Brown finished his NFL career with the Steelers with 48 receptions for 636 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2007, Brown was named to the Steelers all-time team at the tackle position. 11 years later, he was inducted into the Kansas Football Ring of Honor.

Brown put together a stellar 13-year career with the Steelers and will go down as one of the greatest Jayhawks of all time, both as a tackle and tight end.