Prominent Figures React to Passing of Jim Brown

One of the best players, if not the best player to don a Cleveland Browns jersey passed away on Thursday.

Jim Brown played for the Browns from 1957-1965 after being drafted sixth overall in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft. Brown played 118 games during his career, racking up 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. That places him eleventh all-time for rushing yards and sixth overall all-time for rushing touchdowns.

He also won a championship with the Browns, in 1964 before the term "Super Bowl" was coined and used in the NFL. He was pivotal in that year, leading the league in rushing and tallying 114 yards in the championship game which saw the Browns shutout the then Baltimore Colts 27-0.

Jim Brown Created the Template for Athletes Making an Impact Beyond Sports

Brown was not just a football player though. He was also an actor, appearing in over 30 movies from 1964-2005. He was also a well-known activist for the Civil Rights Movement, making significant progress

The Browns released a statement on the passing of Brown Friday afternoon remembering the Cleveland legend.

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

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam had this to say about the passing of the former Brown.

#Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam on the passing of Jim Brown.@fox8news pic.twitter.com/RzQRaI7ZnX
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) May 19, 2023

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had this to say about Brown's life and career in football.

Commissioner Roger Goodell on the passing of Hall of Fame RB Jim Brown. pic.twitter.com/jgVjPbH0Rv
— NFL (@NFL) May 19, 2023

President Barack Obama gave his thoughts and recognition in a tweet Thursday afternoon.

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

LeBron James sent out a heartfelt message on the passing of the Browns legend. James led the Cavaliers to the first major sports championship in Cleveland since the Browns in 1964.

LeBron James’ statement on Jim Brown’s passing via his Instagram page pic.twitter.com/Ghz5ZfmAnn
— Mike McAllister (@McAllisterMike1) May 19, 2023

The Cleveland Cavaliers sent out their condolences to Jim's family and the way he impacted Cleveland.

Jim Brown was a true sports icon in the city of Cleveland.❤️💛

His social impact and looming presence both on and off the field will live through eternity. We offer our deepest condolences to the Brown family and the @Browns. pic.twitter.com/iho9SkKGDO
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 19, 2023

Browns star Myles Garrett tweeted a message about what Jim Brown's passing meant to him. Brown called Garrett after the Browns drafted him first overall in the 2017 draft, saying that he "was glad he was a Cleveland Brown."

Incredibly sad to hear the news. A true icon and an inspiration to many on and off the field. I’ll forever cherish hearing his voice welcome me to the city he loved so much. His influence on the game and community will never be forgotten.

Rest in eternal peace, Jim Brown🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/yl4anuSAwy
— Myles Garrett (@Flash_Garrett) May 19, 2023

Legend. Icon. 44.

There will be only one Jim Brown. We're saddened to have lost the greatest of all time today.

Our thoughts are with the Brown family, his friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/a3W5PuQUvE
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) May 19, 2023

Brown's alma mater football program posted a statement on Twitter today giving their thoughts to Jim and his family.