Minnesota Vikings

Former Vikings fullback Bill Brown dies at 80

Published Nov. 4, 2018 9:07 p.m. ET

MINNEAPOLIS — Bill Brown, the Minnesota Vikings fullback who was a four-time Pro Bowl pick in 14 seasons in the NFL, has died. He was 80.

The Vikings announced the death Sunday, before a moment of silence for Brown prior to their game against Detroit. Brown's son-in-law, former Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon, said on Twitter that Brown "passed away peacefully ." Tweeted Gannon: "He was an incredible man who was so good to me and everyone he ever met!"

Drafted in the second round by the Bears in 1961 out of Illinois, Brown was traded to the Vikings after his rookie year. Nicknamed "Boom Boom" for his punishing running style, Brown is fourth in Vikings history with 5,757 rushing yards. His best season was 1974, with 1,569 total yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 games.