Born in Clairton and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Larry Brown played football at Schenley High School, where he had an initial passion for baseball, but discovered a heightened interest in football during his junior year of high school. Brown went on to play collegiate football for two seasons in Dodge City, KS, before continuing his career at Kansas State from 1967-68. 

At Kansas State, Brown led the Wildcats in rushing in 1968 with 402 yards and one touchdown. Following his Wildcat career, Brown was taken in the 1969 NFL draft as the 191st overall pick. In Brown's rookie season, he rushed for 888 yards and four touchdowns. An additional 302 receiving yards earned him his first Pro-Bowl selection. In the 1970 season, Brown remained at the top of the NFL, leading the league in rushing yards at 1,125 yards — the first player in Washington history to capture a 1,000 yard season. 

Brown was also named a First-Team All-Pro in 1970 and a Second-Team All-Pro in 1971.  Soon, he was named the 1972 NFL MVP — the only Wildcat ever to receive the honor. Brown retired in 1976 and was notably shaped into a fearless running back under legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Considered one of the greatest Washington football players of all time, he is in the Ring of Honor. Additionally, Fox Sports counts him as the second most successful Wildcat to play in the NFL.