Jerry Brown (American football)

Jerome "Jerry" Brown, Jr., (October 20, 1987 – December 8, 2012) was an American football linebacker who played for five different teams combined with the NFL, AFL, and CFL. He played on the defensive line for the University of Illinois. He was signed as a free agent by the Jacksonville Sharks in 2011 and was a contributor to the Sharks victory in ArenaBowl XXIV by having one tackle assist, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He previously played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League and the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League.

Death
On December 8, 2012, at 2:21 am, Brown was being driven in a car by Cowboys defensive tackle and Illinois teammate Josh Brent at high speed. The car hit an outside curb on Texas State Highway 114, causing the vehicle to flip at least once and then come to rest in the middle of a service road. The car had also caught fire, but was extinguished. Brown was unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced dead. Brent was charged with driving under the influence and intoxication manslaughter. Police stated that Brent had attempted to pull Brown out of the car.