Before there was a Tom Brady, there was a Jim Brown. In 1963, Jim Brown rushed 1,863 yards, a record that remains a Cleveland Browns record to this day. He was the first to surpass the 100-rushing-touchdowns mark, a feat that has been accomplished by only a handful of others to date. The very next year, he rushed for 114 yards to push the franchise to its first NFL Championship win in almost a decade. Imagine its value because the next major championship for Cleveland came in 2016, when NBA legend LeBron James ended the “curse”. And so naturally, when King James tagged Mr Brown “a God” or folded his hands (video attached) to show respect, it was a testament to his legends.
Brown passed away at the age of 87 on May 17, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shine for ages to come. He was not just a star athlete but also a Hollywood star and a champion of civil rights. And he remains an inspiration for many, including Lebron. Fans and supporters from across the globe have been mourning the loss of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame Fullback. From a former president to NFL legends, many more have come forward to celebrate the legacy of the athlete.
“One of the greatest football players ever” passes away
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The news of Jim Brown’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from the NFL community and beyond. Prominent figures from the world of sports, politics, and entertainment have come forward to express their condolences and share their memories of the football great.
Former President Barack Obama, an avid sports fan, was amongst many mourning Brown’s passing.
I was too young to remember Jim Brown’s playing days, but I knew his legacy. One of the greatest football players ever, he was also an actor and activist – speaking out on civil rights, and pushing other Black athletes to do the same. Our thoughts are with Jim’s wife Monique, his…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 19, 2023
NFL greats and veterans from across the association came together, as they joined in their mourning.
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
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My heart aches at this very moment after hearing of the passing of Jim Brown.
He is and was a true legend in sports and in the community using his platform to help others.
Thanks King 🖤🕊️ pic.twitter.com/BBrvJdXiTr
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) May 19, 2023
Brown’s friend and HOF RB Eric Dickerson also joined the list of NFL greats to commemorate the late great Jim Brown.
I just landed from my flight and saw all of the text messages. Jim was not just a great football player, but an even greater human being. We need more people like Jim Brown. He’ll forever be the standard of how the great RBs are measured in our game. ‘Til we meet again my friend pic.twitter.com/SsduvRNn7y
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) May 19, 2023
Stars from across the sports landscape from the NBA also joined in with their commemorations and prayers for the larger-than-life Hall Of Famer.
Jim Brown was on the front line of the civil rights movement and his work to help our people will forever be his legacy. He is one of the first people I ever met in Los Angeles and I’ll never forget that moment. RIP my friend.🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/lmIRvsg5xI
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 20, 2023
In fact, none other than the modern-day savior of professional sports in Cleveland, Lebron James, honored one of the greatest athletes out of Cleveland.
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A legacy bar none for Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s legacy in football is unparalleled. Throughout his career, he dominated the game, breaking records and earning numerous accolades. But even beyond his athletic achievements, Brown’s legacy has been defined by his revolutionary civil rights activism off the field. Jim Brown was amongst the most influential figures during the civil rights movement.
He used his platform as a prominent athlete to speak out against racial injustice and advocate for equality. Brown’s activism was not confined to mere words. He took action by supporting and participating in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities. Today, as we remember Jim Brown and mourn his loss, we celebrate his remarkable legacy in the NFL and the profound impact he had as a social activist. His influence will continue to inspire generations of athletes.
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