A legend who dipped his toes in multiple sports. This gentleman’s work has gone above and beyond just sports. Starting his career with the Cleveland Browns, moving into the acting industry, and also dedicating his time and effort to the Civil Rights Movement, Jim Brown lived a life full of happenings and worth living. Very few have left behind a legacy as this man who recently passed away at the age of 87. As the world copes with the news of his passing, former track and field legend Michael Johnson too paid a heartfelt tribute to him.
Michael Johnson took to Twitter to marvel at the life and legacy of Jim Brown, as he mentioned his tremendous body of work across various fields. His passing has left a void in the sporting world.
The multivariate life and legacy of Jim Brown
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A tweet from NFL’s official account went, “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”. Jim Brown made his debut in NFL in 1957 at the young age of 21 with the Cleveland Browns. He went to play with them till 1965 and won the championship in 1964. It was the beginning of a glorious career spanning decades and various fields of work.
US athletics legend and a 4-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson forwarded the tweet and wrote, “One of the best ever. Legendary hall of fame football player, All-American Lacrosse player, and took 5th in the NCAA decathlon! Successful actor. And most importantly a civil rights activist and leader. What a life and impact”. Jim Brown barely took a breather in his life and always went on t achieve the next milestone.
One of the best ever. Legendary hall of fame football player, All-American Lacrosse player, and took 5th in the NCAA decathlon! Successful actor. And most importantly a civil rights activist and leader. What a life and impact. #JimBrown https://t.co/fkBTgWZosC
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) May 20, 2023
While known as an NFL legend, he is also one of the greatest lacrosse players, after whom the Premier Lacrosse League MVP Award is named. Many described him as a black Superman and a black John Wayne for his acting career, having starred in movies like The Dirty Dozen, The Split, etc.
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His life’s work impacted every famous African-American individual today
One of the most important aspects of Brown’s life was his contribution to the African-American communities that started with his civil rights work. He spoke up against the racial biases black athletes faced and the other problems that plagued them during the era. He joined other black athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and many others to help fight injustice. After the life of a personality with such major contributions came to an end, tributes poured in from everywhere. From Magic Johnson to Barack Obama to LeBron James, everyone came together to pay their respects.
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While LeBron James wrote, “We lost a hero today…”, Magic Johnson wrote, “I was so sad to hear…”, and Obama wrote, “I was too young… but I remember his legacy”. As Jim Brown passed away on 18th May 2023, he will not just be remembered for his exploits on the field across various sports, but also off the field. His name will b enshrined in people’s minds forever.
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