Willie Brown was an American football player who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1940 and attended Jackson State University, where he was a standout defensive back.

Brown was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 1963 NFL Draft. He played for the Broncos for four seasons before being traded to the Oakland Raiders in 1967. With the Raiders, Brown became one of the best cornerbacks in the league, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro selections. He was also a key member of the Raiders' Super Bowl XI championship team in 1977.

Brown was known for his physical style of play and his ability to shut down opposing receivers. He was also an excellent punt returner, leading the league in punt return yards in 1968 and 1969. He finished his career with 37 interceptions, which he returned for 538 yards and three touchdowns.

Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and his number 24 jersey has been retired by the Raiders. He is remembered as one of the best cornerbacks of his era and an integral part of the Raiders' success during the 1970s.

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