Adrian Autry, Dino Babers, Jim Boeheim, Derrick Coleman, LeBron James, Barry Sanders, Others Issue Statements on Jim Brown

Legendary football player and athlete Jim Brown passed away on Thursday, it was announced on Friday. A plethora of sports figures issued statements after the news was reported.

ADRIAN AUTRY

"A true legend and Syracuse icon, Jim Brown’s legacy will live forever."

DINO BABERS

"Jim Brown was the greatest player to ever play the game. I remember my dad making me watch his highlights as a kid so I could appreciate his greatness. He was the best of the best and will be forever remembered as a Syracuse legend and the best of all time."

JIM BOEHEIM

"We will never see another like the amazing Jim Brown. His legacy will live forever as the greatest multi-sport athlete of all-time. My heart extends to his family and friends, and all impacted by his passing."

DERRICK COLEMAN

"Peaceful Journey to the icon, the legend, the activist, the actor, Jim Brown. [Orange emoji] membership has is privileges #44 4Life."

ERIC DICKERSON

"I just landed from my flight and saw all of the text messages. Jim was not just a great football player, but an even greater human being. We need more people like Jim Brown. He'll forever be the standard of how the great RBs are measured in our game. 'Til we meet again my friend."

ZAIRE FRANKLIN

"Rest in Peace Jim Brown! Greatest player ever Greatest Orangemen! Thank you for all you've done for the game!"

GEORGE FOREMAN

"Here was a man, more than just a Hero to me; If ever there was someone I tried to imitate it was The Great Jim Brown. Condolences to his wife & children."

LEBRON JAMES

"We lost a hero today. Rest in Paradise to the legend Jim Brown. I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives. We all stand on your shoulders Jim Brown.

"If you grew up in Northeast Ohio and were Black, Jim Brown was a God. As a kid who loved football, I really just thought of him as the greatest Cleveland Brown to ever play. Then I started my own journey as a professional athlete and realized what he did socially was his true greatness. When I choose to speak out, I always think about Jim Brown. I can only speak because Jim broke down those walls for me.

"I am so grateful that I was able to call you my friend. I hope I can continue to honor your legacy with my words and actions. My prayers to your family. I know they are all incredibly proud of everything you did for our community! #LegendsNeverDie"

BARACK OBAMA

"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 children, and everyone who knew and admired him."

BARRY SANDERS

"You can't underestimate the impact Jim Brown 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 and Browns fans at this time."

EMMITT SMITH

"My heart aches at this very moment after hearing of the passing of Jim Brown.

"He is and was a true legend in sports and in the community using his platform to help others.

"Thanks King."

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