I chatted privately with one Colts player just as the news was breaking regarding the death of Jerry Brown. The first words out of this player's mouth were that Brown was a "nice man." When you look at what all the current and former Colts who played with Brown have said about him on Twitter, it's apparent he had a lasting, positive impact on them during his brief tenure in Indy:
R.I.P Jerry Brown..prayers out to his family and loved ones..man he was a great dude..smh
— Justin King (@theking1) December 8, 2012
Blessing out to the Jerry Browns Familly... #BlessIngs
— Samson Satele (@satele64) December 8, 2012
Prayers out to Jerry Brown... Spent a couple months with him in Indy
— Tim Függer (@TFugger58) December 8, 2012
Sending thoughts and prayers out to the family of Jerry Brown. Will be deeply missed
— Chandler Harnish (@CHarnish8) December 8, 2012
R.I.P Jerry Brown. Praying for his family. Gone way too soon.
— Darius Butler (@DariusButler27) December 8, 2012
The tweets that, for me, really hit home as to just how devastating the news was came from former Colts offensive lineman George Foster, who was in training camp at Anderson, IN with Brown this year:
Somebody please tell be that this is not Jerry Brown that was with me on the Colts... Either way, it's bad, but...
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012
Mannnn... Jerry and I worked out for the Colts on the same day. My days were numbered. I was SO happy he was getting his chance at a dream.
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012
Sad day... I was rooting for that brother. Heart hurts, man
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012
I mean, not even 4-5 months ago I was talking with the guy about how not exposing his freakin long-arm too fast. Seems so trivial now..
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012
So young, man. Rest easy, Jerry. I think he had or was having a kid too. Prayers up for the child.
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012
Mannn Lemme get up outta my feelings. #RIPJerry
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012
I had no idea how Jerry died. I pray for his teammate that was driving. Praying he doesn't let guilt drive him insane.
— Jorge Sav Wah Fayer (@GeorgeFoster72) December 8, 2012