60 Heroes: Helping Others Catch On

The first time Tim Brown met former Oakland Raiders teammate Chester McGlockton in 1992, he scolded the then-rookie lineman for wanting to skip a union meeting. “You can’t be ignorant to what’s going on in the league,” Brown recalled telling the late McGlockton during his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2015.

This display of player accountability and responsibility is one of many instances in which Brown served as a vital voice for the NFLPA and its importance among the league’s players. Other former teammates like Trace Armstrong, who served as NFLPA President, and Jon Ritchie tab Brown as a major locker room influence in educating players on their benefits and rights.

During his 17-year career, the All-Pro wide receiver and former Heisman winner served as a Player Rep and on the NFLPA’s Executive Committee. His electrifying and legendary play led the NFL to ask him to serve among a group of seven active and former receivers in revamping the catch rule in 2016.

Brown’s commitment on behalf of the NFLPA to educating and advocating for his fellow players cements his place among football’s greats both on and off the field.