NFL Legend And Social Activist Jim Brown Passes Away At 87

Jim Brown, among the most renowned players in the history of the National Football League (NFL), has passed away at the age of 87. The news was announced by his wife, Monique, through an Instagram post on Friday. 

The post from Brown's wife reads: "It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed peacefully last night at our LA home. To the world he was an activist, actor and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken..."

Born in San Simons Island, Georgia, Brown was a multi-sport sensation at Manhasset High School. After a successful time at Syracuse, he was drafted sixth overall by the Browns in 1957 and earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors.

Brown retired as the NFL's top rusher, with a career total of 12,312 yards, over his nine-season career. Not only did he win the NFL championship with the Browns in 1964, but he also earned eight unanimous first-team all-pro selections and nine Pro Bowl honors.

John Wooten, Brown’s former roommate with the Browns, paid tribute to his friend and said, “We lost a great fighter," reports USA Today. 

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Brown appeared in over 50 film and TV roles. His transition from sport to film was groundbreaking when he retired in 1966 while filming "The Dirty Dozen." This move led him to become, as author Mike Freeman described in his biography "Jim Brown: The fierce life of an American hero," the first black action star.

Brown's influence as a social activist is an important part of his legacy. His inspiring actions led to the Muhammad Ali Summit in 1967, where several high-profile black athletes gathered to publicly support Ali.

“As I talked to Monique and reflected on Jim, my mind went back to what we were," Wooten recalled, highlighting Brown's efforts to create a meaningful impact, according to USA Today.

Brown's work with the Amer-I-Can organization, which aids former prison inmates in their transition back into society, is another example of his social commitment.

In his final years, Brown's public appearances were limited due to declining health, but his influence on the game remains significant. In a fitting tribute, the NFL announced that the annual rushing champ would receive an award named in Brown's honor.

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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo: LBJ Library on flickr