Football news was announced by his wife, Monique, through an Instagram post on Friday afternoon. She shared that Brown peacefully departed on Thursday night at their home in Los Angeles.
While the world recognized him as an activist, actor, and football star, to his family, he was a loving and remarkable husband, father, and grandfather. The devastating loss leaves their hearts broken and the void created by his departure is immense.
Throughout his illustrious career, Brown achieved numerous remarkable feats. In 2020, he was honored by being selected to the prestigious NFL 100 all-time team. Additionally, he was ranked as the number one player of all time on the College Football 150 list, commemorating the anniversaries of these sports. The Sporting News even hailed him as the greatest football player ever in 2002.
Selected in the first round of the 1957 draft, Brown spent nine remarkable seasons with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965). During his tenure, he led the league in rushing an astounding eight times, accumulating a total of 12,312 yards and averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry throughout his career. Brown’s extraordinary abilities were recognized with Pro Bowl selections every year he played. He led the Browns to three league championship games, securing the title in 1964, and he was named MVP on three occasions.
Remarkably consistent, Brown surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in an impressive 58 out of his 118 regular-season games, never missing a single match. He achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in seven seasons, including an exceptional 1,527 yards in a 12-game season and a remarkable 1,863 yards in a 14-game season.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Jim Brown dedicated himself to empowering the Black community during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1967, he organized “The Cleveland Summit,” bringing together the nation’s top Black athletes, such as Bill Russell and Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), to support Muhammad Ali’s stance against serving in Vietnam. Brown continued his impactful work by addressing gang violence in Los Angeles and establishing Amer-I-Can, a program aiding disadvantaged inner-city youth and ex-convicts.
Furthermore, Brown advocated for modern athletes to be actively involved in the Black community, encouraging them to leverage their influence for social initiatives beyond their respective sports. His commitment to social justice made a lasting impact, garnering recognition and respect from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who described Brown as a “gifted athlete” and a trailblazer for athletes’ involvement in social causes.
The news of Jim Brown’s passing was met with profound sadness across the football community and beyond. The Cleveland Browns released a statement expressing their immeasurable gratitude for the privilege of being a part of his remarkable life and legacy. They mourn his loss while celebrating the enduring light he brought to the world. Their heartfelt condolences go out to Jim’s family, loved ones, and all those whose lives he touched along the way.
Having retired at the peak of his career at the age of 30, Brown pursued his passion for acting and addressed pressing social issues. The impact he made was further acknowledged by the Cleveland Browns, who honored his legacy by retiring his No. 32 jersey and erecting a statue outside First Energy Stadium in 2016.
Jim Brown’s significance extended beyond the realm of football. Current Browns owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, referred to him as a true icon for the NFL, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. While many witnessed his dominance on the field, his numerous accomplishments, and lasting impact will forever cement Jim Brown as a legendary figure in both football and the fight for social justice.