Jim Brown has passed away. The former Cleveland NFL player died peacefully on May 18 at age 87 in his own home in Hollywood Hills, California.
Brown’s wife confirmed the news of his passing in a post on social media the day after. Brown is survived by his wife, Monique, their two children and three other children from a previous marriage. She wrote, “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.”
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As reported by the NFL, Brown is regarded as one of the greatest NFL players ever to take the championship. After winning back in 1964, Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, winning eight first-team all-pro selections, four MVPs, and nine Pro Bowl honors during his nine seasons in the NFL. Brown retired as the league’s all-time leading rusher at 12,312 yards.
3x MVP
1964 NFL champion
9x Pro Bowler
8x first-team All-Pro
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1971
NFL 100 All-Time TeamJim Brown will forever be one of the greatest to play the game we love. pic.twitter.com/JXF5dBlA38
— NFL (@NFL) May 19, 2023
Brown’s career as an activist outside the NFL left many feeling his absence. People touched by his work took to Twitter to give their condolences.
Jim Brown was so highly thought of that LeBron James bowed towards Mr. Brown before game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Not only Jim Brown was a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but he was also a civil rights advocate who stood up for social justice
pic.twitter.com/pplvYMWcsJ— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 19, 2023
I was too young to remember Jim Brown’s playing days, but I knew his legacy. One of the greatest football players ever, he was also an actor and activist – speaking out on civil rights, and pushing other Black athletes to do the same. Our thoughts are with Jim’s wife Monique, his…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 19, 2023
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. ?️ pic.twitter.com/byBcZ0c7KG
— NFL (@NFL) May 19, 2023
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
You can’t underestimate the impact #JimBrown had on the @NFL. He will be greatly missed.
Additionally, his generosity and friendship with my family is a gift that we will always treasure.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Brown Family & @Browns fans at this time. https://t.co/6KbzGhQwoL pic.twitter.com/mTObQPXsnO
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) May 19, 2023
