Kippy Brown Dies; Pioneering Memphis QB Coached Seahawks to Super Bowl Win
The first Black quarterback in Memphis history who coached for parts of five decades in college and the NFL died at 71.
Kippy Brown, the pioneering Memphis quarterback who coached the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, passed away on August 31 at the age of 71. Brown, who played for the Tigers at Memphis State University, became the first Black quarterback in the school's history in 1974. He led the team to a 31-20 upset of seventh-ranked Auburn in 1975, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership.
Brown's impact extended beyond his playing days, as he went on to become a successful coach in college and the NFL. Throughout his five-decade coaching career, he mentored numerous NFL stars, including Tim McGee, Anthony Miller, Alvin Harper, and Carl Pickens. His legacy continues at the University of Memphis, where the street in front of Sweetwater High School was renamed Kippy Brown Way in 2014 in his honor.
In 1991, Brown's New York Jets had a successful season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1986. He also played pivotal roles in the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans, among other NFL teams. Brown's contributions were recognized in 2016 with his induction into the Memphis M Club Hall of Fame and in 2019 with his inclusion in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
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