NFL Legend and Social Activist Jim Brown Dead at 87

Widely considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, Brown entered the NFL in 1957, and would spend his entire career with the Cleveland Browns. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Brown led the league in rushing yards eight times and rushing touchdowns five times. En route to retiring as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher (12,312 yards), Brown was named NFL Most Valuable Player three times (1957, 1958, 1965), leading the Browns to the NFL championship in 1964. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

In a tribute shared on Twitter, the Cleveland Browns praised Brown’s football career as well as his legacy as a civil rights activist.

“Brown’s commitment to making a positive impact for all of humanity off the field is what he should also be known for,” the team wrote in a statement. “In the time we’ve spent with Jim, especially when we first became a part of the Browns, we learned so much from him about the unifying force sports can be and how to use sport as a vehicle for change while making a positive impact in the community.”

“Jim broke down barriers just as he broke tackles. He fought for civil rights, brought athletes from all different sports together to use their platform for good. Many thought Jim retired from football too soon, but he always did it his way. From the football field, to Hollywood, to his work in athlete activism, Jim always played the leading role. His devotion to fighting racial injustice, improving education for youth and positively impacting the many lives he has through his Amer-I-Can Program has left a lasting legacy well beyond all he accomplished on the field.”