B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions mourn Hall of Fame inductee, three-time All-CFL selection Tom Brown

by
3Down Staff
March 16, 2026

Photo: B.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Photo edit: 3DownNation.

Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee Tom Brown has passed away at the age of 89.

The native of Albert Lea, Minn. played seven seasons with the B.C. Lions as a defensive lineman and linebacker, earning three All-CFL selections, two Most Outstanding Lineman awards, and winning one Grey Cup.

“In addition to being one of the best defensive players in our team’s history, Tom played a major role in helping the B.C. Lions take the next step in becoming champions,” said Lions director of community partnerships Jamie Taras in a statement.

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“A great player, teammate, and family man, he will be missed by our organization a great deal. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Marnie, and their entire family at this difficult time.”

The six-foot, 251-pounder played collegiately at the University of Minnesota, where he was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, a first-team All-American, the UPI Lineman of the Year, and won the National Championship Game. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Brown was a charter member of the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame, was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1984, and the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.