Alan Autry, then known professionally as Carlos Brown, played as a quarterback for the Green Bay Packers during the 1975 and 1976 NFL seasons. A 12th-round draft pick from the University of the Pacific, he started three games in 1975 under legendary coach Bart Starr, recording 363 passing yards and three touchdowns before transitioning to the CFL and eventually a successful acting career.
The Origins of Carlos Brown: From Pacific to the Frozen Tundra
Before he was known to millions of television viewers as Captain Bubba Skinner on In the Heat of the Night, Alan Autry was a standout collegiate athlete. During his college years, he utilized the name Carlos Brown, a name tied to his stepfather, which he would maintain throughout his professional football career. At the University of the Pacific, Brown distinguished himself as a powerful, athletic quarterback capable of navigating the physical demands of the West Coast Athletic Conference.
His performance at Pacific caught the attention of NFL scouts, though not as a top-tier prospect. In the 1975 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected him in the 12th round with the 289th overall pick. Being a late-round selection in the mid-1970s meant facing incredibly long odds to make a final roster. At the time, the NFL draft consisted of 17 rounds, and players selected in the double digits were often considered "camp bodies" intended to provide depth during the preseason.
However, the 1975 season was a period of significant transition for the Green Bay Packers. The franchise was struggling to recapture the glory of the Vince Lombardi era. 1975 marked the inaugural season for Bart Starr as head coach. Starr, the Hall of Fame quarterback who had led the team to five NFL championships, was tasked with rebuilding a roster that had grown stagnant. This vacuum of leadership and the search for a reliable signal-caller provided a narrow window of opportunity for a player like Carlos Brown.
The 1975 Season: Stepping into the Starting Role
The Green Bay Packers' quarterback room in 1975 was in a state of flux. The team had traded significantly for veteran John Hadl the previous year, a move that is often cited as one of the most lopsided and detrimental trades in franchise history. As Hadl struggled with age and declining arm strength, the door opened for backups.
Carlos Brown (Alan Autry) did not start the season as the primary option. However, as the team’s record faltered, Bart Starr looked for mobility and a fresh arm. Brown appeared in three games during the 1975 campaign, earning the starting nod in all three. This was a remarkable feat for a 12th-round rookie.
Performance and Statistical Analysis
During his three starts, Brown’s performance was a reflection of both his raw talent and the era's defensive-heavy gameplay. In 1975, the league had not yet implemented the pass-friendly rule changes of 1978 (the "Mel Blount Rule"), and quarterbacks were frequently subjected to punishing hits and complex coverage schemes.
Brown completed 26 of 66 pass attempts, totaling 363 yards. While a 39.4% completion rate appears low by 2026 standards, it was common for young, mobile quarterbacks in the mid-70s to struggle with accuracy while operating under heavy pressure. He threw three touchdowns against six interceptions. Perhaps his most notable contribution was his ability to use his legs, a trait that helped him survive behind an offensive line that was frequently overmatched.
One of his most significant appearances came against the powerhouse Dallas Cowboys and their "Doomsday Defense." Facing a defense led by the likes of Harvey Martin and Randy White, Brown was given a "trial by fire." While the Packers did not win these contests, Brown’s toughness earned him respect within the locker room and from Coach Starr, who appreciated the rookie’s grit and work ethic.
The 1976 Season and the End of the Packers Era
Following the 1975 season, the Packers continued to search for a long-term solution at quarterback. The team drafted Lynn Dickey, who would eventually become a franchise staple, and also utilized Randy Johnson. This increased competition made it difficult for Brown to find the field in 1976.
Though he remained on the roster and participated in training camp, Brown did not see significant regular-season action in 1976. The Packers were moving in a different architectural direction under Starr, prioritizing traditional pocket passers who could execute a more complex offensive system. By the end of the 1976 season, it became clear that Brown's future in Green Bay was limited.
He was eventually released, but his professional football journey did not end there. He transitioned to the Canadian Football League (CFL), joining the BC Lions. His time in the CFL was crucial, as it allowed him to hone his skills in a more wide-open passing environment. However, the physical toll of the game and a burgeoning interest in the arts began to shift his focus away from the gridiron.
Statistical Overview: Alan Autry (Carlos Brown) NFL Career
The following table outlines the verified statistics for Alan Autry during his active tenure with the Green Bay Packers.
| Category | 1975 Season Stats | 1976 Season Stats | Career Total (NFL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Games Started | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Pass Completions | 26 | 0 | 26 |
| Pass Attempts | 66 | 0 | 66 |
| Completion % | 39.4% | N/A | 39.4% |
| Passing Yards | 363 | 0 | 363 |
| Touchdowns | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Longest Pass | 49 Yards | 0 | 49 Yards |
| Quarterback Rating | 36.4 | N/A | 36.4 |
Source: Verified via Pro Football Reference records.
From Carlos Brown to Alan Autry: The Name Change
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding his time with the Packers is why he played under a different name. As a child, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, taking the name Carlos Brown. It was under this name that he became a high school star and a college standout.
When he left football to pursue acting in the late 1970s, he decided to return to his birth name, Alan Autry. He felt that reclaiming his original surname was a way to honor his biological heritage as he embarked on a second career. This change often leads to confusion among sports historians and TV fans who do not realize the starting quarterback for the 1975 Packers and the star of In the Heat of the Night are the same individual.
His football background remained a significant part of his public persona. In various acting roles, particularly those requiring a physical presence or an authoritative tone, Autry drew upon the discipline and toughness he learned during his two years in Green Bay. Standing 6'3" and possessing the frame of a professional athlete, he brought a level of "believable grit" to his performances that many of his peers lacked.
The Packers Context: The Bart Starr Rebuilding Years
To understand why Alan Autry’s time in Green Bay was brief, one must look at the state of the organization during the mid-70s. The Packers were caught in a "post-dynasty" slump. Between 1968 and 1981, the team made the playoffs only once (1972).
When Bart Starr took over in 1975, the team was plagued by poor drafting and the aforementioned Hadl trade, which had cost them five high-round draft picks. This meant the team lacked the young talent necessary to support a developmental quarterback like Carlos Brown. Brown was essentially playing behind a patchwork offensive line and throwing to a receiving corps that was in constant rotation.
His three starts in 1975 occurred during a season where the Packers finished 4-10. The pressure on a rookie quarterback in that environment was immense. Despite the lack of wins, Autry’s stint is remembered by hardcore Packers fans as a moment of "what could have been" if the team had more stability to develop a mobile, strong-armed player like him.
Life After the Packers: Acting and Public Service
After his brief stint in the CFL and a short-lived attempt to stay in the NFL with other teams (including a look from the Buffalo Bills), Autry moved to Hollywood. His transition was remarkably successful. He landed roles in films like Southern Comfort (1981) and Amazing Grace and Chuck (1987), often playing athletic or military characters.
His most iconic role came in 1988 when he was cast as Officer (later Captain) Bubba Skinner in the television adaptation of In the Heat of the Night. He appeared in 142 episodes, becoming a household name. Following his acting career, he entered politics, serving as the Mayor of Fresno, California, from 2001 to 2009.
In every stage of his career—from the frozen sidelines of Lambeau Field to the sets of Hollywood and the chambers of City Hall—Autry credited his time with the Green Bay Packers as the period that forged his character. The "Carlos Brown" era may have been statistically modest, but it provided the foundation for a lifetime of leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alan Autry win any games as a starting quarterback for the Packers?
No, the Green Bay Packers did not win the three games in which Alan Autry (then Carlos Brown) started during the 1975 season. The team was in the middle of a difficult rebuilding year under first-year head coach Bart Starr, finishing the season with a 4-10 record. Despite the losses, Autry was noted for his physical toughness and ability to compete under significant defensive pressure.
Why did Alan Autry go by the name Carlos Brown during his NFL career?
"Carlos Brown" was the name of Autry's stepfather. He used this name throughout his youth, college career at Pacific, and his professional football years. He only reverted to his birth name, Alan Autry, when he began his acting career in Hollywood to reconnect with his biological roots.
What happened to Alan Autry after he left the Green Bay Packers?
After being released by the Packers following the 1976 season, Autry played briefly in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the BC Lions. He also had a short stint with the Buffalo Bills' preseason roster. By the late 1970s, he shifted his focus to acting, eventually becoming famous for his role in In the Heat of the Night.
How many touchdowns did Alan Autry throw for the Green Bay Packers?
Alan Autry threw a total of three touchdowns during his 1975 campaign with the Packers. During that same period, he threw six interceptions. These statistics were reflective of the high-variance nature of a rookie quarterback playing in an era where defenses were allowed much more physical contact with receivers and quarterbacks than they are today.
Was Alan Autry ever teammates with Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers?
No. Alan Autry’s NFL career ended in the mid-1970s, long before Brett Favre (joined the Packers in 1992) or Aaron Rodgers (joined in 2005) entered the league. Autry played during the Bart Starr coaching era, sharing the field with players like John Hadl, John Brockington, and Ken Payne.
Final Recommendation for Researchers and Fans
For those looking to verify more granular details of Alan Autry’s football career, the best resource remains the Pro Football Reference archives under the name "Carlos Brown." To understand the cultural impact of his transition from sports to entertainment, viewing his early 1980s film work provides a clear link between his athletic physicality and his screen presence. While his NFL stats may appear as a footnote in Packers history, his journey remains a premier example of career versatility and the enduring "Packer grit" that defines the franchise’s alumni.
