Jim Brown, the legendary Cleveland Browns running back who played from 1957 to 1965, has passed away.
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"It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown," his wife, Monique, announced on Instagram. "He passed peacefully last night at our LA home. To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken..."
Brown passed away at the age of 87. He was a three-time NFL MVP, an NFL Champion in 1964, and was the No. 6 overall pick by the Browns in the 1957 draft. He was born on February 17, 1936 to his father, Swinton Brown, who was a professional boxer and his mother Theresa Brown, in St. Simmons Island, Georgia. The football legend's football career kicked off when he attended college at Syracuse University from 1954-1956 after attending high school in Manhasset, New York.
Shortly after his death was announced, the Cleveland Browns posted a tribute to the former player on Twitter.
"It's impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim's incredible life and legacy," they wrote. "We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world."
Jim Brown Forever 🧡🤎♾️
Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary.
It’s impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim’s incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he… pic.twitter.com/F2rrTUnsc1
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 19, 2023
In addition to the accolades listed above, Brown also accomplished the following:
- 1957 NFL Rookie of the Year
- 9x Pro Bowl selection (1957-1965)
- 8x First-team All-Pro (1957-1961, 1963-1965)
- NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Led the NFL in rushing eight times
- Led the NFL in touchdowns five times
- 12,312 rushing yards
- 106 rushing touchdowns
- 262 receptions for 2,499 yards and 20 touchdowns
- Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1971)
As you can see from the video below, the man to wear No. 32 was clearly in a class of his own when he played.
— SportsGridRadio (@SportsGridRadio) May 19, 2023
Brown was last seen attending the NFL Honors in February when the league created the "Jim Brown Award."
Jim Brown was in attendance at the NFL Honors in February when the league created the "Jim Brown Award" which will be given every year to the league leader in rushing yards.
His legacy will live on forever.pic.twitter.com/8K9S033Wwt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 19, 2023
