Legendary American footballer Jim Brown passed away at the age of 87 on Friday.
The NFL confirmed the sad news in a press release.
“We are devastated by the loss of the legendary Jim Brown. He is one of the greatest players in NFL history, a trailblazer and an activist. His legacy will remain forever.”
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Indeed, the St. Simons, GA native didn’t just leave his mark on the lawn.
Right in the middle of his career with the Cleveland Browns, he started his acting career. In particular, he had a secondary role in the film “The Dirty Dozen”, the second of 44 cinematographic projects in which he will take part.
Brown notably co-starred in the movie “100 Rifles” alongside greats Burt Reynolds and Raquel Welch.
In addition to his activities in Hollywood, he was involved in several social causes. He founded the Black Economic Union, which has helped create more than 400 businesses run by African Americans.
Brown has also been involved in the rehabilitation of ex-convicts and street gang members through the organization Amer-I-Can.
His devotion to the cause of marginalized people did not prevent him from getting his feet wet. He was arrested numerous times for assault and domestic violence, and even spent six months in prison in 2000.
Best of all time?
His career may have only lasted nine seasons, between 1957 and 1965, but Brown is still part of the discussions to determine the greatest player in NFL history.
Playing as a fullback, he won the American football championship in 1964. He was voted league MVP three times and led the league in rushing yards eight times.
His career average of 104.3 yards per game is the best of all time and is now considered unattainable.
In 118 games, he also scored 106 touchdowns and had 2,499 passing yards.
“A legend, a leader, an activist, a visionary,” wrote the Browns of the greatest player in their history. It is impossible to describe the deep love we have for Jim Brown and the gratitude to have been a part of his amazing life. We mourn his death, but celebrate the indelible light he left on the world.”
Brown is not only in the Football Hall of Fame, but also in the College Football Hall of Fame. At Syracuse University, he also excelled in lacrosse, track and field, baseball, water polo and basketball.
2023-05-19 21:28:33
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