Michael Brown has passed away,
Brown, a versatile player who was tried at several skill positions during his career in the early '80s at Texas, was well-liked by teammates and had been assisted my them in recent years.
He came to the Forty Acres as part of Fred Akers' 1980 signing class out of Lake Highlands High in Dallas. Brown's biggest contributions as a player came in 1983. The '83 offense featured a "running back by committee" attack. It was headed by Ronnie Robinson, Johnny "Sky" Walker, and Mike Luck but included Terry Orr and Brown, a 5-11 195-pound redshirt junior.
That Longhorn team posted a perfect 11-0 regular season in the university's centennial year.
This is a letter from Terry Orr, Bill Heathcock, Adam Schrieber, Bryan Mallard,Chester Bryan, and Doug Dawson.
Dear Esteemed Longhorns,
We hope this letter finds you well. The signees are writing to you with a heartfelt appeal on behalf of the family of Michael Brown, a former University of Texas football letterman who played with distinction in the early 1980s. Michael's contributions on the field brought pride and joy to our community, and his legacy as a Longhorn remains cherished by many.
Sadly, Michael passed away recently, leaving behind a family that is struggling to cover the funeral expenses. Despite their deep love and respect for Michael, they find themselves in a difficult financial situation, unable to give him the dignified farewell he deserves.
As a community that values our alumni and their contributions, we have an opportunity to come together and support Michael's family during this challenging time. Your generous donations will help ensure that Michael is laid to rest with the honor and respect befitting a man who gave so much to our university and its athletic program.
No contribution is too small, and each donation will significantly alleviate Michael's family's financial burden. Please consider extending your support and compassion to help them through this painful period.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
TLSN will handle the donations and Doug Dawson will receive the check from TLSN to present to Michael’s family.
The Texas Legacy Support Network (TLSN) is dedicated to assisting former Longhorn student-athletes, support staff, and their families who qualify for temporary financial assistance. None of the TLSN Board members receive compensation for their services. Here is the donation link. https://texas-lsn.squarespace.com/send-donation-to
In this particular case, donations for Michael Brown cannot be deducted from your income tax obligations. Call me if you have a question. 972-672-9071
TLSN is a Longhorn Sports history educational website with a compassionate component.
TLSN is not associated with the UT Athletics Department or any organization closely aligned with UT.
Here is the outcome of the donation request.
Terry Orr emailed to inform me that the necessary funds for the burial service were raised. On behalf of Terry Orr, Bill Heathcock, Adam Schreiber, Bryan Mallard, Chester Bryan, Doug Dawson, and TLSN, we would like to express our deep appreciation for your generous donations, which have enabled Michael Brown's family to have a dignified celebration of his life.
Allowing current scholarship athletes to financially benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is justifiable, but so is temporary financial support to former Longhorn student-athletes or their families who built the Longhorn brand but who have have fallen through societal safety nets.
The mission of the Texas Legacy Support Network (TLSN) is to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible former Longhorn brand builders and their families. While such instances of aid are infrequent, as the majority of former Longhorn student-athletes find employment, accumulate wealth, secure insurance, and live independently, there are always some who, through no fault of their own, face unforeseen financial difficulties. TLSN's mission is to support these individuals whenever possible.
For the first time since its establishment in 2017, TLSN fulfilled this mission as envisioned for Michael Brown’s family. The community of all former Longhorn student-athletes came together to support a T-ring recipient. While most of the donations made to pay for Michael’s celebration of life were paid directly to Michael's family from his teammates, TLSN donors were needed to reach the donation goals.
TLSN received contributions from former tennis, track, golf, swimming, basketball, baseball, football, softball, and from fans. The donations ranged from $10 to $200, all aiming to help Michael Brown's family honor his life in a meaningful way.
Horns up!