An iconic NFL figure has died.
Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the best running backs in the history of football, died on Thursday at the age of 87, his wife, Monique, announced Friday afternoon on Instagram.
After being drafted out of Syracuse, Brown’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns from 1957-65 saw him rush for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns.
He won a Super Bowl with Cleveland in 1964 and won the league’s MVP award three times (1957, 1958, 1965). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
After his playing career, Brown transitioned into a Hollywood acting career, appearing in films such as The Dirty Dozen, El Condor, Riot, 100 Rifles, The Running Man and Any Given Sunday. He was also known for his active role in the Civil Rights movement.
Since the 1960s, Brown was accused multiple times of assault and domestic violence, including rape charges that were ultimately dropped. In 1999, he was charged with making “terroristic” threats against his wife and convicted of vandalizing her vehicle.
In his later days, Brown had served in an advisory role within the Cleveland Browns organization.
Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown has passed away, his wife Monique Brown announced on Instagram. RIP to a #Browns legend. pic.twitter.com/giDTuPQfmN
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 19, 2023
The NFL, the Cleveland Browns and league commissioner Roger Goodell all put out statements in response to Brown’s death.
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
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
Roger Goodell on the passing of Jim Brown. pic.twitter.com/rK34c3PcHG
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 19, 2023
The NFL world quickly responded to the news of Brown's death.
Jim Brown, a three-time MVP and widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history, has died at the age of 87, his wife Monique confirmed in a statement on Instagram.
RIP to an all-time great. pic.twitter.com/LC9s9oQ49W
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 19, 2023
We will be talking about Jim Brown the running back a lot today, but let’s not forget about him being on the front lines of the civil rights movement and all the positive work he did to educate and positively empower disenfranchised young people
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) May 19, 2023
Rest in peace, Jim Brown. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KzXw94Vw1P
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) May 19, 2023
The greatest RB ever. RIP Jim Brown. pic.twitter.com/ra8ImDj4ZL
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 19, 2023
Rest in peace, JIM BROWN. THE greatest ever. ❤️🙏🏈 pic.twitter.com/IkBN3wMKB5
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) 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
Bill Belichick on Jim Brown from October of 2022: His presence, ability to relate to all people, to guide people, to have leadership and perspective on so many things in life, is really incredible. pic.twitter.com/CNnsbOKGrP
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 19, 2023
Jim Brown was one of the best football players to ever put on an NFL jersey.. but he actually nigh have been a better lacrosse player. The stories of him at Syracuse are legendary. He was THAT kind of athlete https://t.co/Vl2tdFyYoo
— trey wingo (@wingoz) May 19, 2023
Will never forget this moment: LeBron bows to Jim Brown. pic.twitter.com/yxXfgp70mq
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) May 19, 2023
RIP Jim Brown 💔 pic.twitter.com/QTszQgJQPG
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 19, 2023
We lost a LEGEND today.
RIP Jim Brown 🙏🏿 🖤 pic.twitter.com/8UAdP7HCaK
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 19, 2023
RIP to the legend Jim Brown🙏🏿
It was cool as hell seeing him in the hallways and having conversations with him during my season in Cleveland!
A leader and difference maker on and off the field! pic.twitter.com/flxT28vyYY
— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) May 19, 2023
Legends never die, Thank you! 🙏🏾🕊️ https://t.co/QYhVHzpSmW
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) May 19, 2023
Rip legend 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/1TPVmjuZ2C
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) May 19, 2023
An absolute legend.
Rest in Peace Jim Brown.
🙏🏼
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 19, 2023
— Will Blackmon 🍷 (@WillBlackmon) May 19, 2023
You can't underestimate the impact #JimBrown had on the @NFL. He will be greatly missed.
Additionally, his generosity and friendship with my family is a gift that we will always treasure.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Brown Family & @Browns fans at this time. https://t.co/6KbzGhQwoL pic.twitter.com/mTObQPXsnO
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) May 19, 2023
