Jim Brown Passes Away at Age 87
Syracuse Orange and Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown has passed away at age 87, according to a report from the Associated Press. Per the AP, a spokeswoman for Brown’s family stated Jim passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home Thursday night. His wife, Monique, was by his side as he passed.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown,” Monique Brown said in an Instagram post. “He passed peacefully last night at our LA 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.”
Thursday was May 18th, meaning Brown passed away on the same day (60 years later) as fellow Syracuse legend Ernie Davis. Davis passed away on May 18, 1963. Brown helped recruit Davis to Syracuse.
Brown is considered one of the greatest players in college football and NFL history. He ran for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns across nine seasons. He was the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in yards and touchdowns when he retired at age 29. He was an eight time All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl in each his nine years in the league. During three seasons at Syracuse, Brown ran for 2,091 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Brown should have won the Heisman Trophy in 1956 as the best player in college football. Instead, Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung won it despite the Irish having a 2-8 record.
Brown has been inducted into the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame. He is also considered one of the best lacrosse players to ever live as well. He was an All-American in both football and lacrosse while at Syracuse.
Following his football career, Brown became an actor and activist.
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