Ex-Irish tackle Dean Brown dies at 44

Published Nov. 30, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Dean Brown, a starting offensive tackle on Notre Dame's 1988 national championship team, has died. He was 44.

Brown passed away Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic after he went to the hospital with upper respiratory illness, his brother told the Canton Repository. Doctors later told his family a blood clot caused his death.

Mike Brown said he and his brother were making plans to see the Fighting Irish play in the BCS title game.

After graduating from college, Brown was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. He also spent time with the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. He worked 11 years for a holding company in Chicago following his retirement from football.

Brown is survived by his wife, Brenda, daughters and his mother, Saundra Brown of Canton.

Funeral arrangements are pending.