Former Southern California offensive lineman Chris Brown has died, coach Clay Helton announced Sunday. Brown was 24.
The school confirmed Brown’s death, according to the Los Angeles Times. No cause was given.
“Heartbroken to hear the news that we lost Chris Brown today,” Helton said on Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Brown family. Chris meant so much to so many. Great person, player, teammate, and Trojan. God bless my friend. You are forever in our hearts.”
Heartbroken to hear the news that we lost Chris Brown today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Brown family. Chris meant so much to so many. Great person, player, teammate, and Trojan. God bless my friend. You are forever in our hearts.
— Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) April 18, 2021
Brown played in 53 games (27 starts) for the Trojans from 2014-18 and was a starting guard in each of his last two seasons.
He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers in the spring of 2019 but didn’t make the roster. He was subsequently signed to the team’s practice squad before being released in early October.
Brown would have turned 25 on April 26.
This is the second time in 10 months that a former USC offensive lineman died unexpectedly. Former center Max Tuerk died last June at age 26 when he collapsed while hiking.
It was later revealed that Tuerk died of an enlarged heart.
–Field Level Media