Ex-tackle Orlando Brown found dead at home at 40

New England coach Bill Belichick, too, was shocked by the death of Brown, whom he signed and coached for three years with Cleveland.

“Orlando improved as a player as much as anyone I have ever seen, as he went from being a defensive lineman at South Carolina State to becoming one of the game’s top offensive tackles, when he sustained his unfortunate eye injury,” Belichick said in a statement. “Orlando was a true throwback player who loved football and was as tough as they come.”

Brown was a frequent visitor to the Ravens’ practices, tutoring young linemen Jah Reid and Ramon Harewood.

“He took time out of his busy schedule over the last couple of months to work with me to help me grow as a player,” Harewood said. “To have a player and man of his stature do that for a young player like myself says all you need to know about him.”

Brown was born in Washington and played in college at Central State in Ohio and South Carolina State.

He was divorced and is survived by three sons.

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