Keith Browner

Keith Tellus Browner Sr. (January 24, 1962 – November 4, 2025) was an American professional football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans. He was the father of Keith Browner Jr., who became an NFL defensive end.

Personal life Browner was born on January 24, 1962, in Warren, Ohio, where he attended Western Reserve High School. Before his senior year, he moved to Atlanta, His eldest brother Ross Browner played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Jim Browner also played with the Bengals after going to Notre Dame. Willard and Gerald Browner both exclusively played in college, while Joey Browner also played at USC before going to the Minnesota Vikings. Keith's eldest daughter, Keicha, was a national synchronized swimmer and standout athlete in multiple sports in high school. Keith's nephew, Rylan Browner (son of Ross Browner), played football for the University of Arizona and Max Starks (Ross' biological son) is a two-time Super Bowl Champion who played with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He died on November 4, 2025, at the age of 63.

College career Browner played linebacker at the University of Southern California. Browner was named to the All-Pac-10 team twice during his college career. This pick was called the "worst choice of the day" by Chicago Bears scout Jim Parmer. At the end of his first season, he was named to the 1984 PFWA All-Rookie Team. Browner played in an era of intense struggle for the Buccaneers, with the team only winning ten games during Browner's three seasons. The team and Browner failed to see eye to eye, with Browner saying the team had a "losing attitude" while he was suspended for 3 days during his final season with the team due to his "chronic tardiness." After butting heads with all three of his past teams, initially spirits were high going into Browner's first season with the Chargers. He had previously started at defensive end during the 1988 season. Browner protested the suspension, referring to the test as faulty.

After being released by the Chargers, Browner spent time in the Canadian Football League. He spent time with the Toronto Argonauts before joining the Arena Football League (AFL). While playing in the AFL, Browner attempted to sign with the British Columbia Lions to no avail. He also spent the 1994 season with the Shreveport Pirates before being waived in May 1995.

Browner played with the Tampa Bay Storm of the AFL for three seasons, including while they were known as the Pittsburgh Gladiators. He also spent time with the Charlotte Rage in 1996 and the Arizona Rattlers in 1997.