John Brown, a former University of Pittsburgh football standout who played his high school ball at what was Lower Burrell, died Friday. He was 58.
Pitt football's official Twitter account posted about Brown's death, calling him the “1982 Sugar Bowl hero” with a photo of Brown and quarterback Dan Marino, who hooked up with his tight end for one of the most dramatic and memorable plays in Pitt history.
1982 Sugar Bowl hero John Brown passes away at 58. https://t.co/YhSouffJQR pic.twitter.com/5e34fs5MxA
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) October 20, 2017
It was Brown who provided the winning score in that bowl game, catching a touchdown pass from Marino on fourth-and-5 with 42 seconds remaining to beat Georgia, 24-20. Pitt finished 11-1, ranked fourth in the Associated Press poll.
Brown was big for the Panthers that entire 1981 season, with 43 receptions for 530 yards and eight touchdowns. He injured his knee the following year, and both Marino and Pitt's offense struggled without him.
“When you talk about iconic Pitt football moments, the name John Brown is always prominently mentioned,” said Pitt executive associate athletic director/media relations E.J. Borghetti. “John was on the receiving end of the greatest touchdown passes in Pitt history. Dan Marino's throw was on the money in that 1982 Sugar Bowl, but I always remind people that John took a vicious hit from a Georgia safety and still wouldn't let go. His hands were like a vise.”
Borghetti wasn't yet Pitt's media relations director at the time, but he had the chance to meet Brown many years later and was struck by his humility.
“He was almost sheepish about being part of this incredible moment, yet his love of Pitt was boldly on his sleeve. John was proud to be a Pitt Man, and we were proud to call him one of our own,” Borghetti said. “On behalf of Pitt Athletics, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Brown family, and especially John Jr., who followed in his dad's footsteps as a Pitt football player and is now an invaluable member of our academic support services staff. They are on the hearts and minds of our Pitt family.”
Once football was over, Brown became a financial adviser, but he was back in a spotlight of sorts in 2004 when his son, John Jr., committed to Pitt, following in his father's footsteps from the same high school.
He’s the second former Pitt football player to die in less than a week, after 1990 team captain Eric Holzworth drowned Saturday in Florida.
Brown died of an undisclosed illness at his home in Lower Burrell, according to the Valley News Dispatch.
Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.
First Published: October 20, 2017, 11:43 p.m.
Updated: October 21, 2017, 12:57 a.m.