Jim Brown, one of the NFL’s all-time great running backs, has died at age 87
This is an undated picture of Jim Brown, the running back for the Cleveland Browns. Brown won NFL Rookie of the Year in 1957 after being named an All-American at Syracuse in 1956. In addition, he was the NFL’s leading rusher eight times, an eight-time All-Pro from 1957 to 1961 and a three-time MVP from 1958 to 1965 while playing for Cleveland, and in just nine seasons, he ran for 12,312 yards and scored 126 touchdowns.
This is an undated photo of Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown. Brown was an All-American at Syracuse in 1956 and NFL Rookie of Year in 1957. He also led the NFL in rushing 8 times, 8-time All-Pro in 1957 to 1961 and 1963 to 1965, 3-time MVP in 1958,1963 and 1965 with Cleveland, ran for 12,312 yards and scored 126 touchdowns in just 9 seasons.
AP
Jim Brown, a blazingly fast running back and a star of the Cleveland Browns in the 1950s and 60s, has died. The Hall of Famer was 87. His wife, Monique Brown, announced on Instagram that he “passed peacefully last night at our LA home.”
“To the world he was an an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Brown a gifted athlete athlete and “one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field.” In a statement, he also singled out his involvement in the civil rights movement who became a forerunner and role model for athletes to become involved in social initiatives outside their sport.
In his nine seasons playing for the Cleveland Browns, Brown established himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. But football merely was the start of a life filled with accomplishment….and controversy.
Jim Brown called it the most beautiful game he ever played. A blend of speed, quickness, intelligence. His abilities landed him in the Hall of Fame, the first Black player inducted.
For lacrosse.
It seemed incongruous, compared to his defining and violent sport of football. But it was a testament to Brown’s superb athleticism – he competed in four sports at Syracuse University. Track and field, basketball, lacrosse and of course football.
