Former Buccaneers LB Keith Browner Sr.’s alleged cause of death: Family describes disturbing final symptoms before tragic collapse

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Keith Browner Sr. passed away Tuesday morning in San Leandro, California, at the age of 63—according to his son, Keith Browner Jr., who spoke with TMZ Sports.

Browner Jr. said that the death was sudden and unexpected, leaving his whole family in shock. He described how, on Monday night, his father had stomach problems, was throwing up, felt tired, and said he would go to the hospital the next morning. But when Browner Sr. got up to leave for the hospital, he curled over to the side of the chair and collapsed to the floor next to his girlfriend. The official cause of death has not been confirmed, but the symptoms–stomach issues, vomiting, and fatigue, sudden and unexpected collapse–allegedly suggest a heart attack, as reported to TMZ Sports.

He is survived by his five children—son Keith Jr. and daughters Keicha, Amber, Ashley, and Jordan.

Keith Browner Sr. played defensive end and linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and San Diego Chargers

Keith Browner Sr., a standout at the University of Southern California, was selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft as the 30th overall pick. He played two seasons for Tampa Bay and one each for the Raiders, 49ers, and Chargers. In 65 games, he recorded 10.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions.

He played in the NFL from 1984 to 1998, then spent seven years in the Arena Football League.

His son, Keith Browner Jr., played college football at the University of California, where Jr. had 37 tackles, four sacks, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. After going undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, he was signed by the Houston Texans in 2012 and played for the team for two seasons. In 2016, Browner Jr. joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad.

What are the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

The American Heart Association identifies the following as early indicators and symptoms of a heart attack:

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