Ex-Ravens tackle Orlando Brown, 40, dies

Former Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Orlando Brown, who once sued the National Football League for $200 million after a penalty flag hit him in the eye, was found dead Friday. He was 40.

Brown's body was discovered Friday morning in a downtown Baltimore apartment after family members notified the police when they couldn't locate him, the Ravens said on their website. The cause of death isn't yet known.

"We're forever grateful for what he did for the Ravens organization and what he did for the present team," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said on the team's website. "We can't express our sorrow enough on behalf of our team and our organization for his loss today." Brown started 119 games in a nine-year career with the Ravens and Browns. He retired after the 2005 season.

On Dec. 19, 1999, while playing for Cleveland, Brown was hit in the eye by a penalty flag thrown by referee Jeff Triplette. His eyesight was damaged and he didn't play for three seasons.

Brown sued the league for $200 million and settled for $25 million, according to the Baltimore Sun.

He is survived by three sons, the newspaper said.