Brig Owens facts for kids

Brigman Owens was an American football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on February 16, 1943, and passed away on June 21, 2022. Brigman played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins. He also played college football at the University of Cincinnati.

Brigman's Early Life and College Days

High School and Junior College

Brigman Owens went to Fullerton Union High School. There, he played as a quarterback. After high school, he attended Fullerton Junior College. He became the starting quarterback there. He led his team to their first-ever bowl game in 1961. This was called the Orange Bowl Show. In his second year, he was named a junior college All-American. This is a big honor for college athletes.

Star Quarterback at Cincinnati

In 1963, Brigman moved to the University of Cincinnati. He became the starting quarterback for their football team. He threw for 974 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also ran for 556 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was one of the best players in the nation for total offense. Brigman also helped his team as a placekicker and punter.

In his final year, he led the team to a great 10-1 record. This was the most wins in the school's history at that time. He finished his college career with 16 wins and 5 losses. He also helped his team win two Missouri Valley Conference titles.

Hall of Fame Honors

Brigman Owens was recognized for his amazing college career. In 1979, he was added to the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1982, he joined the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame. Later, in 2005, he was also inducted into the Fullerton College Athletics Hall of Fame.

Playing in the NFL

Starting with the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys picked Brigman Owens in the 1965 NFL Draft. He was chosen in the seventh round. The Cowboys changed his position to safety. He spent most of his first year on the team's practice squad. In 1966, he was traded to the Washington Redskins.

A Star for the Washington Redskins

In 1970, Brigman became the starting strong safety for the Redskins. He played for them until he retired after the 1977 season. He was a very important player when the Redskins reached Super Bowl VII in 1972. In that big game, he made a key interception against Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese. This play happened in the end zone during the second half.

One of his most memorable games was in 1966 against the New York Giants. Brigman scored two defensive touchdowns in that game! He had a 62-yard interception return and a 62-yard fumble return. The Redskins won that game 72–41. This is still the highest-scoring game in NFL history.

Amazing Records and Achievements

Brigman Owens holds a special record for the Redskins. He has the most interception return yards in their history, with 686 yards. He is also second all-time for the Redskins in career interceptions, with 36. Three of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns. He also recovered ten fumbles, returning two of them for touchdowns.

Because of his great career, Brigman was inducted into the Redskins' Ring of Fame. This is a special honor for the team's best players.

Life After Football

After his NFL career, Brigman Owens went back to school. He earned a law degree from Potomac Law School. He then worked for the National Football League Players Association. This group helps NFL players. He was an assistant executive director there. Brigman also owned his own business. It was a company that worked with commercial real estate. It also helped professional athletes.

Brigman Owens was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He was married to Patricia since 1965. They had two daughters named Robin and Tracy. Brigman Owens passed away on June 21, 2022, at the age of 79.