Former Washington players Brig Owens, George Izo pass away

The NFL community has endured a devastating magnitude of tragedies this week and the Washington Commanders were sadly involved.

Earlier in the week, Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson tragically died at the age of 26. A third-round pick of Baltimore back in 2019, Ferguson leaves behind three children, two daughters and a son, who are all under the age of five.

That same day, it was revealed former Ravens and Colts defensive lineman Tony Siragusa passed away at the age of 55. A former 12-year NFL veteran, Siragusa was a key component of the Ravens’ historic 2000 defense and later joined FOX as a sideline reporter and analyst after he retired.

Roughly 24 hours later, news broke that former Washington safety Brigman “Brig” Owens died on Wednesday. He was 79 years old.

Former Washington Commanders players Brig Owens and George Izo passed away this week.

Owens as a mainstay in Washington’s secondary for over a decade after he was acquired in a trade from the Cowboys before the 1966 season. Owens spent his entire 12-year career in Washington and still ranks first in franchise history with 686 interception return yards and second with 36 interceptions.

One of the most accomplished DBs in Commanders history, Owens scored five defensive touchdowns in his career (three INT returns and two fumble recoveries) and was deservingly inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2012. That same year, he was named as one of the ’80 Greatest Redskins’.

"“[Owens] was not only a standout on the gridiron but also a well-respected and accomplished businessman in the Washington community,” the Commanders said in a statement. “He was a man of great character, always there to help someone in need. Brig’s impact on this community will never be forgotten. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Brig’s family, friends, former teammates and fans during this difficult time.”"

Unfortunately, Owen’s passing wasn’t the only death Commanders fans had to reckon with this week.

On Wednesday (what an awful day), former Washington backup quarterback George Izo passed away at the age of 84 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Clearly shaken up by the news, Joe Theismann penned a heartfelt tweet sharing his condolences to Izo and Owens’ families.

The first-ever draft pick of the then-St. Louis Rams, Izo was a backup quarterback for the entirety of his seven-year career. Four of those were spent in Washington, where he appeared in 14 of his 26 career games. Izo was traded to Washington before the 1961 preseason and was eventually flipped for another QB in Ralph Guglielmi.

The most notable moment of Izo’s career came during the 1963 season. Filling in for the injured Norm Snead, Izo tied a franchise and NFL record when he threw a 99-yard touchdown pass to Bobby Mitchell.

Like Theismann and Commanders fans everywhere, we send our sincerest condolences to Owens’ and Izo’s loved ones during this difficult time.