This week in West Central Mississippi history.
Football Hall of Famer died on October 21, 2019
William Brown died on October 21, 2019. He was born in Yazoo City and played football at N.D. Taylor High School. Brown became a standout at Grambling State and played 16 seasons as a cornerback in pro football. He played for the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders. He was a key figure on the Raiders defense and recorded 54 career interceptions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. Brown also coached for the Raiders and briefly led the Long Beach State football program. He later held administrative roles with the Raiders. Yazoo City renamed his childhood street in his honor. Brown also received honors from the Mississippi and Louisiana Sports Halls of Fame. He remained active with the Raiders until his death. He was 78.