THE BEST OF THE HORNETS PASSES ON

Hornet great and NFL veteran Brig Owens passed away on past Tuesday at the age of 79. 

A 13-year NFL veteran and one of the best to play for the Washington franchise, Owens turned heads on the 1961 Fullerton Junior College football team playing quarterback for Hal Sherbeck's first season as head coach. Owens led the Hornets to the Orange Bowl Show that same year. 

"Brig was my first HORNET athlete/friend and we bonded to become lifelong best friends. He was compassionate about helping others with high morals and was a prime example of faith, family, and friends…. A huge loss for all mankind", retired FJC Athletic Trainer Bill Chambers.

Following the 1962 season at FJC, Brig earned All-American honors along with a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, where he was the star quarterback for the Bearcats. 

Owens was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965 where he was converted to the safety position. The following year he was traded to Washington where he thrived, becoming one of the franchise's greatest players. In 1972, Brig played in Super Bowl VII serving as defensive captain on a team that lost to the    undefeated Miami Dolphins. Owen's NFL career numbers still stand with the best of them being inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2012 and named as Washington's 80 greatest players of all time. In 158 NFL games played, Owens had 36 interceptions and scored 5 touchdowns. He ranks second behind Darrell Green on the team's all-time list for interceptions. Brig also holds the record for most career yards on interception returns at 686. 

After the NFL, Owens earned a law degree at the Antioch School of Law and then went to earn a doctorate degree from Potomac Law School. Brig worked with the National Football League Players Association, serving as the assistant executive director. He also owned his own business, a commercial real estate development company which also represented professional athletes. 

With all the football accolades, Brig took immense pride in his work with the community. He was one of six chosen in 1990 to receive the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award for his deep commitment to the community and country for the past 25 years. He created a youth development program in Washington called Super Leaders and was listed as the vice president of Bennett Group, a real estate development firm. 

Owens was inducted into the Fullerton College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 (inaugural class). He was also inducted to the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979. 

Brig leaves behind his wife Patricia of 57 years along with his daughters, Robin and Tracy.

ONCE A HORNET, ALWAYS A HORNET!