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Keith Browner, a former NFL linebacker who played five years in the league from 1984 to 1988, died Tuesday in California, his family said. He was 63.
Browner’s son, Keith Browner Jr., told TMZ Sports that his father had passed away. The outlet reported that the former player’s death was “unexpected and sudden,” possibly from a heart attack.
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Todd Christensen #46 of the Los Angeles Raiders, right, catches a pass over Keith Browner #57 of the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game on September 4, 1988 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
Browner Jr. told TMZ Sports that his father complained of stomach problems and fatigue before he died.
The elder Browner was a standout player at USC before turning pro. He was a second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1984 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the Buccaneers before moving on.
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Southern California Trojans linebacker Keith Browner (57) on the sideline against the UCLA Bruins during the 1982 season at the Rose Bowl on November 20, 1982. (Long Photography/USA TODAY Sports)
He joined the San Francisco 49ers during the 1987 season, but finished the year with the Oakland Raiders. He last played for the San Diego Chargers in 1988.
Browner played in 65 career games and had 10.5 sacks.
After his NFL career ended, he played in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League. He was part of the ArenaBowl championships with the Tampa Bay Storm and the Arizona Rattlers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Keith Browner (57) on the bench against the Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Stadium on December 15, 1985. (USA TODAY Sports)
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The Browner family has a history in professional football. Keith Browner’s brothers Jim, Joey and Ross each played in the NFL – as did his son. Max Starks, Browner’s nephew, also played in the league from 2004 and 2013 and won two Super Bowl titles.
