Morgan State University Athletics

Roosevelt Brown, a native of Charlottesville, Va., played football at Morgan State University where he was a two-time Black College All-American (1951-1952) and was drafted in the 27th round by the New York Giants in 1953 as a 20-year old.

“Rosey” was a classic pass blocker and, on running plays, he could make the blocks that opened gaping holes in the enemy ranks. And he could do something few tackles are called upon to do – pull and lead on wide ground plays such as a pitchout to the halfback.

During the height of Brown's career, the Giants were enjoying an unusual string of successes with six divisional crowns and one NFL title in an eight-year stretch. For eight straight years, he was a virtually unanimous All-NFL choice and was named to nine Pro Bowls. In the 1956 NFL Championship Game, he handled the vaunted Chicago Bears' defenses so well that he was awarded Lineman of the Game honors. In 1975, Brown became only the second player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the merits of his offensive line play alone.

He died June 9, 2004, at the age of 71.