The 1960s actor and civil rights crusader Jim Brown died. Aged 87. A family representative said Brown died quietly at his Los Angeles home with his wife, Monique, on Thursday night.
On Instagram, Monique Brown called him an activist, actor, and football star. Our family loved him. Broken hearts.”
From 1957 to 1965, Brown, one of football’s first superstars, shattered league records and was awarded the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.
Brown retired to act after winning the 1964 NFL title. The Dirty Dozen and Any Given Sunday were among his 30 films.
Brown, a powerful, fast, and durable runner, increased the game’s broadcast appeal. Brown led 1960s Black power after retirement. He founded Amer-I-Can to aid inner-city youth and ex-convicts and fight LA gang violence.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam called Jim Brown a legend. The greatest Browns player and NFL player. Jim boosted the Browns’ fanbase.
“So many people grew up watching him dominate every time he stepped onto the football field, but his countless accolades only tell a small part of his story. Off-field, he helps people.
Brown was unstoppable, evading linebackers and defensive backs. He was noted for stiff-arming defenders.
Brown told NFL Films his arms were weapons.
Some consider Brown the best. He was dominant, persistent, and brutal, going around and through opponents, dragging numerous defenders along, or finding spaces where none existed.
After being tackled, Brown would slowly rise and return to the huddle, then dominate the defense when he got the ball.
Roger Goodell offered NFL sympathy.
Goodell called Jim Brown a terrific athlete and cultural change agent. He was a pioneer and role model for sportsmen active in social causes throughout his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the domestic civil rights movement.
Brown argued off-field.
His kindness changed lives despite six arrests for hitting women.
Brown’s wife, Monique, contacted 911 in June 1999 to tell her that Brown shoveled her car and threatened to kill her. Monique Brown recanted. Jim Brown was convicted of misdemeanor vandalism but not domestic threats. Brown was imprisoned for six months for rejecting Los Angeles domestic violence counseling.
He feuded with Browns coach Paul Brown and team administration during his time in Cleveland.
Brown retired to Hollywood. Brown retired during training camp while filming The Dirty Dozen in England.
He directed Mars Attacks!, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, He Got Game, Any Given Sunday, and 100 Rifles. Lee directed HBO’s 2002 Jim Brown: All-American.
Brown’s Brown’s relationship changed recently. Advised owner Randy Lerner and younger players. Brown quit in 2010 after Mike Holmgren reduced his duties. Brown felt degraded and skipped the downtown stadium’s “Ring of Honor” unveiling.
Brown was nine-time Pro Bowler and eight-time All-Pro. Brown retired at 30 with league-record yards (12,312) and touchdowns (126).
The browns endured 118 games.
“He told me, ‘Make sure when anyone tackles you he remembers how much it hurts,’” said Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey. I followed his philosophy.
Syracuse’s two-sport star and NCAA lacrosse legend Brown was racially slurred at the nearly all-white school. Basketball lettered and topped the nation in scoring.
1957 champions drafted Brown sixth overall. Best Rookie Offense.
Brown was named 1958 Most Outstanding Player after rushing for 1,527 yards and 17 touchdowns behind Hall of Fame tackles Lou Groza and Mike McCormack. Before 1962, he ran 1,257 yards.
NFL-leading 1,863 yards in 1963. 106 running touchdowns and 5.2 yards per carry. Brown had 262 receptions for 2,499 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“Jim Brown is the best,” Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers stated.
Hornung thought Brown was unstoppable.
Browns retired his 32 in 1971. He rarely visited Cleveland in the 1970s and 1980s. After retiring, he and Cleveland owner Art Modell reconciled.
Brown supported Modell’s 1995 Cleveland-Baltimore move. He was independent and dedicated to Modell. Brown was one of the few former Browns not unhappy with Modell for relocating the franchise.
Modern athletes didn’t realize Brown’s significance.
“They have grown up in a different era,” former Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. He was an NFL great. He performed what no one else could do under those conditions. Going out on top is something few guys can appreciate.”
Manhasset High School multisport star Brown was from St Simons, Georgia. Football: 55 points, 14.9 yards per carry.
Brown shot 79 in the 1963 Cleveland Pro-Am with Jack Nicklaus.
Brown and Monique survive. He divorced Sue Brown after 13 years with three children.
