ALLEN PARK, MICH. – Marvin Brown, a member of the 1957 Lions’ World Championship team, died Monday (December 7) at his home in New Caney, Texas. He was 78.
Brown was the Lions’ 25th round draft pick in 1953 after a standout senior season at East Texas State as a running back. He was an All-Lone Star Conference and All-Texas College selection as a senior in 1952 helping lead the ETS Lions to a 10-0 regular-season record and a 33-0 victory over Tennesee Tech in the Tangerine Bowl (Jan. 1, 1953).
He was voted the Tangerine Bowl’s Most Valuable Player after rushing 14 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, and caught four passes for 120 yards including a 75-yard TD reception in the lopsided win.
Brown served three years in the Air Force (1953-56) before coming to the Lions in 1957. He also served in Vietnam from 1968-69.
Once with the Lions, he played in four games as a running back and return specialist on the World Championship team that went 8-4 in the regular season, beat San Francisco in the Western Division Playoffs and captured the NFL title, 59-14, over the Cleveland Browns.
In 1958, Brown turned from football to flying. From 1958-91 he was a commerical pilot for Braniff and Continental Airlines.
He is survived by his wife Margaret and seven children.
Visitation will be Thursday (Dec. 10) from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter, Tex. Funeral Services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday (Dec. 11) at New Caney Church of Christ in New Caney, Tex.
