Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Norris Brown, a contributor to the University of Georgia’s 1980 national championship squad, has died. He was 65.

Brown, whose full name was Willie Norris Brown, passed away Friday in Laurens, South Carolina, according to a local funeral home. No cause of death was released, and service details remained incomplete.

The Vikings chose Brown in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft, taking him with the 213th overall selection. He appeared in two games during his rookie season with Minnesota but did not record any statistics.

That brief stint marked his only time on an NFL roster. After leaving the Vikings, Brown continued his professional career in the United States Football League.

The New Jersey Generals also selected him in the 1983 USFL Draft. He played for the Generals in 1984 and spent the 1985 season with the Jacksonville Bulls.

A native of Laurens, Brown excelled at Laurens District 55 High School before joining Georgia. He arrived in Athens during a rising period for the program under head coach Vince Dooley.

Brown suited up for the Bulldogs from 1979 to 1982. He developed into a reliable receiving threat during one of the most successful stretches in school history.

As a key member of the 1980 national championship team, Brown helped Georgia finish 12-0. That squad defeated Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl to claim the title.

He finished his college career with 44 receptions for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those 10 scoring catches established a Georgia school record that stood for four decades.

In his junior year, Brown and the Bulldogs reached the 1982 Sugar Bowl, falling 24-20 to a Pittsburgh team led by quarterback Dan Marino. His senior season produced another undefeated regular season and SEC title before a loss to Penn State in the 1983 Sugar Bowl.

Brown played alongside Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and contributed to three straight Southeastern Conference championships from 1980 to 1982.

Former Georgia quarterback Buck Belue reflected on the loss in a social media post.

“Heavy heart this weekend hearing about the passing of former UGA teammate TE Norris Brown,” Belue wrote. “Talented & skilled athlete & a wonderful teammate. I will miss him!”

Brown remained closely linked to Georgia’s championship era long after his playing days concluded.

His time with the Vikings, though short, connected him to Minnesota’s professional football history as a late-round draft pick transitioning from a powerhouse college program.