The NFL is mourning the loss of one of the best offensive linemen in history. Hall of Famer Bob Brown has died at the age of 81. Six times “The Boomer” was in the Pro Bowl.

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Bob Brown died last Friday in Oakland at the age of 81. According to the family, the one-time offensive tackle died surrounded by his loved ones and friends at a rehabilitation centre. Brown had been there since April after suffering a stroke.

In 1964, Brown was selected in the first round as the second pick in the draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

He then spent five years in “Philly” before the “Boomer” – as he was called – was drawn to the Los Angeles Rams. After two years in L.A., Brown moved to Oakland to join the Raiders.

“One of the toughest opponents “

Six times Brown was in the Pro Bowl, three times he was named Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Jim Porter, president of the Hall of Fame, released an emotional statement on Brown’s death. “Bob Brown showed different personalities on and off the field. On the field, he was one of the toughest opponents a defensive lineman or linebacker ever faced. He used every tactic and technique – and sometimes brute force – to break the will of the opponent. And he took great pride in doing so. But off the field, he displayed a quiet, gentle and caring nature. The Hall of Fame mourns him. “