Former Bengals Star Ross Browner Dies At 67
Ross Browner, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end, has passed away at 67 years old.
Max Starks, his son and former NFL offensive lineman, broke the news on Twitter on Wednesday, Jan. 5, "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my Father, Ross Browner. The world has lost a Titan, @CFBHOF [College Football Hall of Fame] member, @Bengals Legend, but he was most proud of being an @NDFootball [Notre Dame Football] alumnus. Our hearts are heavy, but he is at peace now."
According to PEOPLE, Browner had recently contracted COVID. In a subsequent message posted on Instagram, Starks wrote, "Words can't express the loss of my Father. I'm sure opponents/teammates will think differently, but he was a gentle, thoughtful, caring, supportive and warm hearted man. Pops, I know you're at peace, and we will get through the sadness and carryon [sic]."
Browner’s cause of death was not specified by Starks.
On the Bengals’ website, former team cornerback Louis Breeden told reporter Geoff Hobson that Browner had been battling the coronavirus for a month and died from complications from the disease.
According to ESPN, Browner joined the Bengals in 1978 after being chosen eighth overall in the NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. In 1981, he and the Bengals made it to the Super Bowl.
Browner spent nine years with Cincinnati before leaving to play for the Green Bay Packers, where he retired.
