Jim Brown, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Actor, Dies at 87.

Pro Football Legend Jim Brown Passes Away at 87

The world of football is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players, Jim Brown. The Pro Football Hall of Famer passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night at the age of 87. Brown was not only a football superstar, but also a successful actor and civil rights advocate during the 1960s.

A Career Like No Other

Brown was a force to be reckoned with on the field, known for his power, speed, and endurance. He shattered the NFL’s record books during his short career from 1957-65, leading the Cleveland Browns to their last NFL title in 1964. He retired at the peak of his career after the ’65 season to pursue acting, appearing in over 30 films including “Any Given Sunday” and “The Dirty Dozen.”

Off the field, Brown was a prominent civil rights advocate, organizing a meeting of the nation’s top black athletes to support Muhammad Ali’s fight against the war in Vietnam. He also founded Amer-I-Can, a program to help disadvantaged inner-city youth and ex-convicts.

A Controversial Figure

While Brown had a soft spot for those in need, he was also a contentious character. He was arrested a half-dozen times, mostly on charges of hitting women. In 1999, he was acquitted of a charge of domestic threats but convicted of misdemeanor vandalism. He was sentenced to six months in jail when he refused to attend domestic violence counseling.

A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten

Despite his controversial past, Brown’s legacy as one of the greatest football players of all time will never be forgotten. He was an eight-time All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl in each of his nine years in the league. When he retired at age 30, he held the league’s records for yards and touchdowns. He was also a two-sport star at Syracuse, leading the nation in scoring in both football and lacrosse.

Rest in peace, Jim Brown. Your impact on the world of football and beyond will never be forgotten.