Jim Brown, a blazingly fast running back and a star of the Cleveland Browns in the 1950s and 60s, has died. The Hall of Famer was 87. His wife, Monique Brown, announced on Instagram that 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.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Brown a gifted athlete and “one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field.” In a statement, he also singled out his involvement in the civil rights movement who became a forerunner and role model for athletes to become involved in social initiatives outside their sport.
Jim Brown called it the most beautiful game he ever played. A blend of speed, quickness, and intelligence. His abilities landed him in the Hall of Fame, the first Black player inducted.