Jim Brown, the legendary NFL running back who was also a civil rights activist and actor, died Thursday night at his home in Los Angeles. He was 87.
Brown’s wife, Monique, confirmed his death in an Instagram post. “To the world he was an activist, actor and football star,” she wrote. “To our family he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.”
Brown was born in 1936 in St. Simons, Georgia. He played college football at Syracuse University, where he was a two-time All-American. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft.
Brown played nine seasons with the Browns, rushing for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. He led the NFL in rushing eight times and was named the league’s MVP three times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
Brown was also a civil rights activist. He was one of the first black athletes to speak out against segregation and discrimination. He was also a member of the NAACP and the Urban League.
In addition to his football and activism careers, Brown also had a successful acting career. He appeared in more than 30 films, including “The Dirty Dozen,” “100 Rifles,” and “The Running Man.”
Brown was a complex and multifaceted figure. He was a gifted athlete, a successful actor, and a committed activist. He was a pioneer in many ways, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest football players of all time.
Brown’s death is a major loss for the NFL, the civil rights movement, and the world of entertainment. He was a towering figure who left an indelible mark on all of these spheres. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife, Brown is survived by three children from his previous marriage and two children from his marriage to Monique.
A private funeral is planned. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.
