Kippy Brown, Memphis' first Black QB and Super Bowl winner, dies at 71

Charles "Kippy" Brown, a trailblazing former NFL assistant coach and the first Black quarterback in University of Memphis history, has died at the age of 71. His death was announced this week, with multiple reports confirming his passing on Monday, August 31, 2026. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Brown's football career spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark as both a barrier-breaking player and a respected coach. He was a member of the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff that won the franchise's first Super Bowl championship following the 2013 season. Born in Sweetwater, Tennessee, Brown made history at Memphis State, now the University of Memphis, where he played quarterback from 1974 to 1977. He was the program's first Black quarterback and helped lead a memorable upset victory over No. 7 Auburn on September 13, 1975. His contributions were later honored with inductions into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. After his playing career, Brown transitioned into coaching, starting at his alma mater in 1978.