Wisconsin is remembering running backs coach Gary Brown, a former Penn State running back, who died on Sunday.

Brown, a former Dallas Cowboys running backs coach who spent this past year coaching running backs at Wisconsin, was reportedly in hospice for the last couple of weeks in his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It was reported ahead of bowl season when Wisconsin took on Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl that Brown didn’t make the trip. At the time, he dealt with what was described as a non-COVID-related health problem.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that Brown was 52, and is survived by his wife, Kim, daughters Malena and Dorianna and son Tre.

Brown played for 3 teams over 8 seasons in the NFL before he retired in 1999.

With Brown as his coach, freshman Braelon Allen developed into one of the Big Ten’s top running backs last season.

“It has been difficult,” tailback Chez Mellusi said earlier this spring when asked about missing Brown. “I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for coach Brown. It was difficult for me but the most important thing is his health. As sad as it is, that is the most important thing.”