Former Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown, who played 8 seasons in NFL, dies at 52

Gary Brown, who spent seven seasons as the Dallas Cowboys' running backs coach, died Sunday after being treated for cancer. He was 52.

«Gary Brown had a big heart partnered with a big smile and a big personality. His energy and spirit were infectious,» Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. «He lit up every room he walked into and touched the lives of those who knew him in such a positive way. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He meant so much to the players he coached and the coaches he coached with.

»His love for his family, football and life was evident each day. He continued to fight, and he never gave up."

Brown was with the Cowboys from 2013-19 and had three different running backs reach 1,000 yards, including DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott. Murray (2014) and Elliott (2016, '18) won NFL rushing titles under Brown's tutelage.

«Great Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Appreciate you and your family more than anything GB,» Murray tweeted. «Thank you for teaching me the way on the field and in life. Appreciate you Gary Brown.»

Great Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Appreciate you and your family more than anything GB… Thank you for teaching me the way on the field and in life. Appreciate you Gary Brown.