The NFL world lost a legend when it was announced that Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown had died at the age of 87.
News of Brown’s death was announced Friday by his wife, Monique Brown, on Instagram. She said that her husband had “passed peacefully last night” in the couple’s home in Los Angeles.
“To the world, he was an activist, actor, and football star,” Monique wrote. “To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.”
Indeed, Brown was a man of many talents, but the ones he first showcased prominently came on the football field. He fittingly starred for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, being named to eight All-Pro teams and winning the NFL MVP three times.
During his career, Brown racked up 2,359 carries for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. He managed to lead the NFL in rushing yards in eight of his nine seasons, led the league in touchdowns in five seasons and recorded seven seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards.
Brown’s legacy helped establish himself as one of the NFL’s early Hall of Famers, and many consider him to be the greatest running back that ever lived.
However, as his wife mentioned, Brown was more than just a football player. He was also a prominent figure in the civil rights…
