Introduction
Brigman P. Owens (born February 16, 1943) is a former American football player. He played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) as a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Owens played college football at the University of Cincinnati as a quarterback and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1965 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who converted him to safety. He spent most of the year on the team's taxi squad, before being traded the next year along with Jake Kupp and Mitch Johnson, to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Jim Steffen and a fifth round draft choice.
Washington Redskins
He remained with the Redskins until he retired after the 1977 season. He played a significant role in leading the 1972 squad to Super Bowl VII and had a good performance in the game, recording a key interception from Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese in the end zone during the second half.
One of his more memorable performances occurred on a 1966 regular season game against the New York Giants, where he scored two defensive touchdowns: a 62-yard interception return and a 62-yard fumble return. Washington ended up winning the game 72–41. To this day it is the highest scoring game in NFL history.
Owens holds the record for most interception return yards in Redskins history (686) and is second all-time for the Redskins in career interceptions (36). Three of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns. He also recovered ten fumbles, returning them for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Personal life
After the NFL, Owens finished law school and went to work with the National Football League Players Association, serving as the assistant executive director. He also owned his own business, a commercial real estate development company which also represented professional athletes.
Owens is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Married to Patricia since 1965, the couple has two daughters, Robin and Tracy.