The Unfinished Legacy: Why Washington Redskins Legend Larry Brown Still Deserves His Pro Football Hall Of Fame Call

Despite being an NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and one of the most dynamic running backs of his era, Larry Brown's name remains conspicuously absent from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. As of today, December 17, 2025, a renewed and passionate effort is underway by former teammates, historians, and fans to correct what many consider the most egregious snub in Washington Redskins (now Commanders) franchise history. This article delves into the legendary career of the 1972 MVP, the arguments for his long-overdue enshrinement, and the recent honors that underscore his lasting impact on the game.

Brown’s eight-season career with the Redskins was a testament to grit, versatility, and sheer dominance, transforming an eighth-round draft pick into a league superstar under the guidance of coaching legends like Vince Lombardi and George Allen. His ability to run with power and catch out of the backfield made him a revolutionary offensive weapon, yet the short length of his career, curtailed by injuries, is often cited as the primary obstacle to his Hall of Fame induction.

Larry Brown: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Larry Brown, born Lawrence Brown Jr., established a legacy of toughness and versatility that defined the Washington franchise during the early 1970s. His journey from an overlooked draft pick to a league MVP is one of the NFL's great underdog stories.

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• Full Name: Lawrence Brown Jr.
• Born: September 19, 1947 (Age 78 as of late 2025)
• College: Kansas State University (K-State)
• NFL Draft: 1969, 8th Round, 191st overall by the Washington Redskins
• NFL Career: Washington Redskins (1969–1976)
• Position: Running Back (RB)
• Career Totals (Rushing): 1,530 carries for 5,875 yards
• Career Totals (Receiving): 238 receptions for 2,485 yards
• Career Touchdowns: 55 (35 rushing, 20 receiving)
• Key Career Honors:
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1972)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1972)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1970, 1972)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1969, 1970, 1972, 1973)
  • UPI NFC Player of the Year (1972)
  • Washington Ring of Fame (Inducted 1982)
• Post-Football Career: Broadcast Communications, working with ESPN.

The Apex of Dominance: Brown's 1972 MVP Season and the George Allen Era

Larry Brown’s career can be neatly divided into two coaching epochs: the brief, intense period under Vince Lombardi, and the successful, high-profile run under George Allen. Lombardi, who coached Brown in 1969, initially clashed with the young back due to fumbling issues, but his influence instilled the legendary toughness that would define Brown's game.

The true peak of Brown's career came in the 1972 season, the year he captured the imagination of the league and earned the coveted NFL MVP award. This was a singular achievement for a Washington player, as Brown became the first player in franchise history to win the award.

1972: A Revolutionary Performance

The 1972 season saw Brown lead the entire league in rushing with 1,216 yards, averaging a dominant 101.3 yards per game. What truly set him apart was his dual-threat ability. In an era where running backs were rarely featured in the passing game, Brown was an elite receiver, leading the team in both rushing and receiving for four consecutive seasons (1969-1972). His total yards from scrimmage for the season were unmatched by any other non-quarterback in the NFL.

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The Redskins, led by quarterback Billy Kilmer and the "Over the Hill Gang" defense assembled by Coach George Allen, rode Brown's performance all the way to Super Bowl VII. Although Washington ultimately lost to the undefeated Miami Dolphins, Brown's performance throughout the season cemented his status as a legendary figure in the nation's capital.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Debate: Why the Snub Persists

Larry Brown’s exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a continuous source of debate among NFL historians and fans. His resume, featuring an NFL MVP, four Pro Bowls, and two First-team All-Pro selections, is statistically superior to several already-enshrined running backs.

Arguments for Enshrinement (The "New Push")

The renewed push for his induction, which gained momentum in recent years, centers on the quality and dominance of his peak performance, arguing that the Hall of Fame should recognize greatness, not just longevity. Key arguments include:

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• Peak Dominance: Brown’s three-year stretch from 1970–1972 was arguably the best of any running back of the era. He was the most productive player in the league in 1972, not just the best running back.
• Versatility: His 8,360 total yards from scrimmage and 55 career touchdowns demonstrate his rare ability to impact the game as both a rusher and a receiver, a trait that was ahead of its time.
• MVP Status: The NFL MVP award is the highest individual honor in the sport. Brown is one of only a handful of eligible non-kicker/punter MVPs not to be enshrined in Canton.

The Counter-Argument: Longevity and Injuries

The primary reason for the Hall of Fame Committee's hesitation is Brown's relatively short career. His relentless, high-contact running style eventually took its toll, forcing his retirement after only eight seasons in 1976. Hall of Fame voters often prioritize long, sustained careers, and Brown’s career totals (5,875 rushing yards) fall short of the traditional 10,000-yard benchmark set by many modern Hall of Fame running backs.

However, proponents argue that his short career was a direct result of the punishment he absorbed while carrying the Redskins' offense, and that his impact—leading the team to a Super Bowl and earning MVP—should outweigh the raw volume statistics.

Recent Honors and Enduring Legacy

While the Pro Football Hall of Fame continues to delay, Larry Brown’s legacy is being recognized with significant honors that validate his standing in sports history.

In a major announcement, Larry Brown was elected as part of the 10-member 2025 class for the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his roots and his journey, starting from his college days at K-State and his ascent to NFL stardom. This induction is a powerful reminder of his impact on the game and serves as a significant entity of recognition outside of the PFHOF.

Brown remains a revered figure in the Washington D.C. area, a member of the Redskins' Ring of Fame, and a symbol of the franchise's golden era under Coach George Allen. His story—the overlooked eighth-round pick who overcame a speech impediment and a rocky start under Vince Lombardi to become the league's MVP—is a powerful testament to perseverance. His name is synonymous with the toughness and grit of the early 1970s NFL, and for many, his eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not a question of *if*, but *when*.