NFL legend Brig Owens passed away at the age of 79, the Washington Commanders (formerly the Redskins) said in a statement.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
“Brig was a beloved part of our organization and community,” the team said, “and was rightfully honored as a member of the 80 Greatest Players in Washington history and Washington Commanders Ring of Fame.
“He was not only a standout on the gridiron but also a well-respected and accomplished businessman in the Washington community. He was a man of great character, always there to help someone in need. Brig’s impact on this community will never be forgotten.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Owens family ????
➡️ https://t.co/EkMEd6l21i pic.twitter.com/Bs1nLneiX8
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 23, 2022
The NFL reported:
Brig Owens, a standout defensive back for Washington in the 1960s and 1970s, died Wednesday at the age of 79, the Commanders said in a statement.
A member of Washington’s Super Bowl VII team and one of the franchise’s most prolific interceptors, Owens played 12 of his 13 years in the NFL in D.C. The safety racked up 36 interceptions in 158 regular-season games played for Washington, the second-most picks in club history behind Hall of Famer Darrell Green (54). Owens’ 686 interception return yards are the most in Washington history.
Owens’ pick prowess extended to the postseason. The safety recorded the lone interception of Dolphins great Bob Griese in Super Bowl VII, a red-zone snag late in the third quarter that kept Washington’s deficit to two scores. Miami eventually won, 14-7, completing its 17-0 perfect season.
It has been a rough week for the NFL family.
NFL star Tony Siragusa passed away on Wednesday.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson passed away at the age of 26.
Ferguson was found unresponsive at a home in Baltimore late Tuesday evening.
There was no signs of foul play or trauma and his cause of death has not yet been determined.