SAD NEWS: Today make it 29 years thet a formal coach of Cincinnati Bengals died and…

Paul Brown, a pioneering figure in American football, passed away on August 5, 1991, at the age of 82. Brown is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport, having profoundly influenced both college and professional football.

Born on September  7, 1908, in Norwalk, Ohio, Brown’s coaching career began at the high school level, where he achieved notable success at Massillon Washington High School. His innovative approaches and disciplined coaching style soon earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking coach. He later transitioned to the college level, coaching at Ohio State University, where he led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 1942.

Brown’s impact on professional football began when he co-founded the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946. Under his leadership, the Browns dominated the AAFC, winning all four championships before the league merged with the NFL in 1950. Brown continued to lead the team to success in the NFL, securing three league championships in the early 1950s.

In 1968, Brown returned to the professional football scene by founding the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as the team’s head coach and later as its president. His influence extended beyond his coaching achievements, as he introduced numerous innovations to the game, including the use of playbooks, rigorous film study, and a systematic approach to player scouting and drafting. Many of these practices have become standard in football coaching today.

Brown’s legacy is also marked by his commitment to racial integration in sports. He was one of the first professional coaches to actively seek out and sign African American players, helping to break down racial barriers in professional football.

Paul Brown’s death marked the end of an era, but his contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark. His methodologies and strategic innovations continue to influence modern football, cementing his status as a visionary and a key figure in the history of the game.