Willie Brown :

"Combine all of Willie's skills and the result is what myths are made of. He is a marvel to watch, a true artist at work." A sportswriter once wrote this after observing Willie Brown dominate another game from the secondary during his 16-year career. Not a bad description for an undrafted, unheralded free agent who in 1963, came out of Grambling College looking for a chance to prove he belonged. After becoming a starter six games into his rookie season with the Denver Broncos, Brown began to show why he did belong. Four years and 15 interceptions later, Brown was dealt to the Oakland Raiders. That day began a string of success for both Brown and the Raiders rarely seen in the history of the NFL. For 12 years, Willie dominated the secondary for the Raiders, picking off 46 passes while "blanketing" the other teams best receiver, even while playing hurt. In the process, Willie was becoming the unquestioned leader of a dominant Raiders' defense. That leader from humble beginnings was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
  • An undrafted rookie out of Grambling College in 1963, it took Brown all of six professional games to establish himself as a starting cornerback
  • Was named all-NFL in his second season.
  • Traded to the Raiders prior to the 1967 season, the 12 years Brown played with them produced an overall record of 125-35-7 (best in pro football during that span) and nine title game appearances.
  • Named all-league seven times, including four Pro Bowl appearances.
  • Appeared in two Super Bowls during his career, including a victory in Super Bowl XI.
  • Perhaps best remembered for his 75-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Vikings in Super Bowl XI, Brown retired with 61 career interceptions (including postseason).
  • Elected to Hall of Fame in 1984.

Remembered mainly as a stellar cornerback for the Raiders who returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl XI, Davis was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.