Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has posted a tribute following the death of NFL legend and civil rights activist Jim Brown.
The former Cleveland Browns star passed away at the age of 87 peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Monique, beside him. "To the world he was an activist, actor and football star," his wife said. "To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken."
Brown is widely regarded as one of the best players in NFL history. He entered the league in 1957 with Cleveland, and would go on to break a number of records before retiring at the peak of his powers in 1965 at the age of 29.
The former running back won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in his final year as a player. Brown also won the same award in his rookie year in Cleveland.
Irsay, the owner of the Colts, has posted a message on Twitter with his tribute to Brown. The 63-year-old has listed the top five players in NFL history in his opinion, with Brown topping the list.
The Colts owner wrote: “On my list of Top 5 Greatest NFL Players of All Time, in our 103 year History. “I have Top 5 as: 1) Jim Brown 2) Tom Brady 3) John Elway 4) Deacon Jones 5) Reggie White.”
Tom Brady and John Elway are regarded as two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Deacon Jones and Reggie White both played as defensive ends in their respective careers.
After retiring from professional football, Brown turned to ventures away from the sport including acting. He would go on to star in dozens of films including Any Given Sunday, The Dirty Dozen and The Running Man.
Brown was also heavily involved with the civil rights movement in the United States after his football career. He was joined by other sporting greats including boxing icon Muhammad Ali and basketball legend Bill Russell.
Cleveland posted an emotional tribute to Brown when the news of his passing was announced. The team’s owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, gave a touching statement in memory of one of the greatest players to play the game.
"Jim Brown is a true icon of not just the Cleveland Browns but the entire NFL,” the statement read. “He was certainly the greatest to ever put on a Browns uniform and arguably one of the greatest players in NFL history. Jim was one of the reasons the Browns have such a tremendous fan base today. So many people grew up watching him just dominate every time he stepped onto the football field but his countless accolades on the field only tell a small part of his story.
“His commitment to making a positive impact for all of humanity off the field is what he should also be known for. In the time we've spent with Jim, especially when we first became a part of the Browns, we learned so much from him about the unifying force sports can be and how to use sport as a vehicle for change while making a positive impact in the community. Jim broke down barriers just as he broke tackles. He fought for civil rights, brought athletes from all different sports together to use their platform for good.
“Many thought Jim retired from football too soon, but he always did it his way. From the football field, to Hollywood, to his work in athlete activism, Jim always played the leading role. His devotion to fighting racial injustice, improving education for youth and positively impacting the many lives he has through his Amer-I-Can Program has left a lasting legacy well beyond all he accomplished on the field.
“Jim Brown is the Cleveland Browns and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Monique, his children and entire family as well as all those who mourn this immense loss."
