Not even the greatest running back in NFL history could outrun Father Time as its was announced by NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown’s family that he passed away on Thursday (May 18) night at 87 years of age.
Monique Brown said in a statement on Friday May 19: “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed peacefully last night at our L.A. 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.”
NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown Dies at 87 Years Old
During his nine year NFL career, Brown won the rushing title eight times before he retired at the top of his game and shifted his focus into a career in Hollywood and an activist.
He was many things to many different people, but one things that remained more obvious was he was a teacher. He could convey his thoughts in an eloquent manner that made it enjoyable to listen to him.
Later in his life, he worked tirelessly to help inner city youths turn away from a life of violence and find their own path that changed many lives over the years.
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
Outpouring of love
The Cleveland Browns, whom Brown played for his entire NFL career, shared a couple of heart felt statements that covered what he meant to the team and city, but there was one that caught my attention first.
In fact, it was how I learned about his passing. As a lifelong New York Giants fan, I was well versed in the history between the Giants and Browns with some amazing games where the Giants’ defense in the 1950s was geared to stopping him, which was something few managed.
Lawrence Taylor shared a tribute to Brown on his Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/CscIaicPxPI/ ) that exemplified everything about the man in the fewest words possible.
“athlete. actor. activist. LEGEND 🧥 I’m grateful to have shared the same space with this GIANT. On and off the field he exemplified greatness. Thanks for being the example and raising the bar on how athletes balance their influence with being a voice for the community. Sending nothing but healing energy and the highest of vibrations to the family.
Legendary Ancestor. 🙏🏿⚡️💪🏿”
Love from the NFL family has been pouring out as everyone has been sharing their memories, but the most important thing many are sharing are along the lines of what LT said about Brown being a pioneer in sports stars reaching out to help other people and neighborhoods that otherwise may have been forgotten.
Brown was truly one of the greats and he’ll be sorely missed but he’s left us a legacy unparalleled by most.
What’s your favorite Jim Brown memory? Let us know in the comments below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
