Pro Football Hall of Famer and Actor Jim Brown Dead at 87

Pro Football Hall of Famer and actor Jim Brown has passed away at the age of 87. Brown, who is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time, died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles.

Born in St. Simons, Georgia in 1936, Brown moved with his family to Long Island, New York when he was a child. He excelled in multiple sports during his high school years, but football was where he truly shined. Brown was highly recruited by several colleges and ultimately decided to attend Syracuse University.

Brown’s college career was nothing short of incredible. He set multiple records and was a two-time consensus All-American. In 1956, he finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting despite missing almost two full games with an injury.

After graduating from Syracuse, Brown was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the sixth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft. He wasted no time making an impact in the league, rushing for 942 yards and nine touchdowns in his rookie season.

Brown went on to have an incredible career with the Browns, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and three NFL MVP awards. He retired in 1965 as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 12,312 yards.

After his football career, Brown shifted his focus to acting. He appeared in numerous films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including “The Dirty Dozen,” “100 Rifles,” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” He also had a recurring role on the television series “T.J. Hooker.”

Despite his success on the football field and in Hollywood, Brown was not without controversy throughout his life. He was arrested multiple times for domestic violence and was accused of sexual assault in 1965. He was later acquitted of those charges.

Regardless of his personal issues, Brown’s impact on football and pop culture cannot be denied. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and was named the greatest Cleveland Brown of all time in 2003. His iconic number 32 jersey is retired by the team.

Brown’s legacy will live on for years to come, both on and off the football field. May he rest in peace.