Jim Brown, a rushing back in the Pro Football Hall of Fame who resigned at the height of his outstanding career to become an actor and a leading civil rights activist in the 1960s, has passed away. His age was 87.
Brown’s wife, Monique, was by his side when he died quietly on Thursday night in their Los Angeles home, according to a family spokesperson.
In a statement to her Instagram account, Monique Brown stated that “to the world, he had been an activist, performer, and football player.” He was a devoted partner, father, and grandfather to all of us. Our hearts are torn apart.”
Brown was considered one of the finest players in the history of football as well as one of the initial heroes in the sport. He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1965 and broke numerous league records during his limited career, which lasted from 1957 to 1965.
Brown guided the Cleveland Browns to their final NFL championship in 1964 before quitting in his final year following the 1965 campaign to pursue a career as an actor.