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Arguably the greatest running back in the history of football — at any level — the iconic Jim Brown died Thursday at the age of 87.
Brown died at his home in Los Angeles with his wife, Monique, by his side.
Legendary RB Jim Brown has passed away, his wife Monique Brown announced. pic.twitter.com/hOZD3W3hjW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 19, 2023
Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957-65. He previously starred at Syracuse University, also playing lacrosse for the Orange. He was taken by Cleveland with the sixth pick in the 1957 NFL draft.
Brown retired early — for a superstar athlete in his heyday — and went on to become a movie actor, appearing in 30 films.
Brown is the Browns’ all-time rushing leader with 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns across his nine-year career, which spanned from 1957-1965. He never missed a game in his career, led the league in rushing eight times and was voted MVP three times. Brown was an NFL Champion with the Browns in 1964 and helped lead them to the NFL Championship game three times (1957, 1964, 1965). He was also voted to the Pro Bowl every year of his career and was a first-team All-Pro selection in eight seasons.
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
Per ClevelandBrowns.com:
“Jim Brown is a true icon of not just the Cleveland Browns but the entire NFL,” Jimmy and Dee Haslam said. “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.
… “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.”
Tributes came in through social media:
Rest in peace, JIM BROWN. THE greatest ever. ❤️🙏🏈 pic.twitter.com/IkBN3wMKB5
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 19, 2023
RIP Jim Brown 🐐
Forever a Cleveland legend. pic.twitter.com/96E1t7SIs1
— BIGPLAY (@BIGPLAY) May 19, 2023
Jim Brown never lacked courage to stand up for what’s right. RIP legend 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/9CjskuruAo
— Extend (@justusmckg) May 19, 2023
We are heartbroken by the passing of the legendary Jim Brown.
One of the greatest players in NFL history, a true pioneer and activist. Jim Brown’s legacy will live on forever. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/byBcZ0c7KG
— NFL (@NFL) May 19, 2023
RIP to the Legendary Jim Brown.
Jim Brown was an absolute nightmare for the #Eagles during his career. In fact, his most career yards against any team was facing the #Eagles.
In just 18 games against them, he had:
• 2,193 Rush Yds (121.8/gm)
• 18 TD
• 470 Rec Yd
• 4 Rec TD pic.twitter.com/SsKuTUbQ1m— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) May 19, 2023
Just learning of the LEGENDARY Mr. Jim Brown’s passing. It was an honor to meet and speak with him over the years. His comments regarding my career are the only forms of validation that ever really mattered to me. 32 is THE GREATEST to EVER TOTE THE 🏈 Rest in Heaven JB!
🙏🏾😢— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) May 19, 2023
Thank you Mr Jim Brown! True Legend on and off the Field!
Well Done! pic.twitter.com/2SfPEhDrXL— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) May 19, 2023
JIM BROWN 🖤❤️🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/GiHUdeMNnj
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) May 19, 2023
#NFL legend and HOFer Jim Brown has passed away at the age of 87. Rest in Peace ❤️
Brown was the 6th overall pick in 1957, and went on to be a 3x MVP, 1957 ROY, 9x all-pro, 8x rushing yards leader, and 5x rushing TDs leader.
He’s the only player to average over 100 Rush YPG for… pic.twitter.com/9Og7zMXEHP
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) May 19, 2023
Jim Brown and Muhammad Ali jog in the London morning fog, May 1966.
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) May 19, 2023
JIM BROWN THE LEGEND OF THE EARTH IN EVERY WAY. RIP BUBBA YOU ALWAYS IMPRESS ME pic.twitter.com/C0qUlWcnps
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) May 19, 2023
Today, I lost my mentor and hero. RIP Jim Brown. My deepest sympathies to your wife, Monique and your entire family. pic.twitter.com/rDGLVTQh6a
— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) May 19, 2023
We lost a LEGEND today.
RIP Jim Brown 🙏🏿 🖤 pic.twitter.com/8UAdP7HCaK
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 19, 2023
Legend.
Our thoughts are with Jim Brown’s family and everyone who has been impacted by his legacy. pic.twitter.com/neW6ntaTtt
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 19, 2023
🏈3x NFL MVP
🏈8x First-team All-Pro
🏈9x Pro Bowl
🏈8x NFL rushing yards leader
🏈NFL champion
🏈NFL ROY
🏈5x NFL rushing TDs leader
🏈Pro Football HOF
🏈Unanimous All-American
🏈12,312 rushing yards
🏈106 rushing TDs
🥍PLL MVPRIP Jim Brown.
One of the 🐐 athletes. pic.twitter.com/VyaILpu5iQ
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) May 19, 2023