Jim Brown

Despite their recent history as a misfortune-stricken franchise, the Cleveland Browns have one of the deepest histories in professional football. The Browns were a powerhouse in the 1950s and 1960s, largely because of the presence of the legendary Jim Brown.

The Above image is via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain Image of Jim Brown (cropped)| AD

Argued by many to be the greatest running back of all-time, Brown had one of the most unique career paths ever. Whether on the field, in acting, or being a civil rights leader, Brown did nothing halfway. The result is one of the most interesting lives a person could lead.

Dominant Collegiate Career

Brown attended Syracuse University, a feat in itself because of policies when it came to admitting black athletes. Facing racist taunts and different treatment from teammates, Brown still managed to stand out, working his way up the depth chart.

By his senior season, Brown was a force. He became a consensus first-team All-American, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He also set a slew of Syracuse records and was even known to kick extra points. All of which led him to be taken sixth overall in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns (and 68th overall in the NBA Draft).
There is no question why FOXSports nominated him as the best Cleveland Browns player of all time.

Complete Domination On-Field

Brown was instantly a force to be reckoned with. Keep in mind that the NFL had a 12-game regular season at this point, so rushing for no fewer than 1,257 yards each season from 1958-1961 is far more impressive than most people realize.

When Brown retired in 1965, he was the all-time leading rusher with 12,312 yards. He is the only player to win NFL Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. The three-time MVP is the only player to average more than 100 yards per game over his career.

His 1,863 rushing yards in 1963 still stands as the all-time mark for the Browns. His 5.22 yards per carry also stands as a record, illustrating how difficult it was to bring him down. He also led the
Browns to the NFL championship in 1964, finishing as runners-up twice.

Brown was also the standard for durability. Not only did he never miss an NFL game, he didn’t even drink water during games. When he retired, he had the most touchdowns ever until Jerry Rice passed him in 1994. Brown dominated in every facet and never had anything resembling a “down” year.

Do you want to know more about the Cleveland Browns? Check here what the odds for Ohio teams look next season: youbet.com/states/ohio/

Early Retirement

Brown stands out historically because of his decision to end his career early. After nine seasons in the NFL, Brown ultimately made the decision to leave the league after a tiff with Browns ownership over his acting roles and the potential impact they could have on his appearance in training camp.

In sports so many athletes tend to hang on too long before retiring. For Brown, a 1,500-yard rusher in his final season, to hang it up is largely unprecedented. Brown was a pioneer in many regards, showing that athletes can maintain control over their careers, though tough decisions may need to be made.

Career as an Actor

Brown began his film career while he was still playing in the NFL. His first film was Rio Conchos, eventually getting his first big break in The Dirty Dozen. That role also led to friction with the Cleveland Browns because of shooting delays, leading owner Art Modell to threaten Brown with fines, leading Brown to retire instead.

Brown earned a few roles as leading man after his retirement. The Split, Ice Station Zebra, Riot, and 100 Rifles were a few of his major roles. Brown quickly became one of the highest-paid black actors, continuing to act late into the 1990s and early 2000s.

Civil Rights Activist

Brown became a voice for the civil rights movement in the 1950s, one of the few athletes to speak out. He called on other major athletes to stand as well, luminaries such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, and others.

This decision put Brown and his career at risk. The Cleveland Summit was a focal point for the role of athletes in society, not to mention one of the most important civil rights acts in the history of sports. He would continue to play a key role in civil rights well after his retirement and late into his life.

In 2024 the Browns announced Jim Brown as their Inspire Change Changemaker Nominee.

A Career Like No Other

A man before his time, Brown’s impact in so many facets of life cannot be overstated. Realizing that things in life were bigger than the NFL, he became legendary for walking away at the height of his dominance to pursue other avenues.
Brown has been argued by many to be the greatest running back in NFL history. Being great at one thing is often “enough” for most people; Brown managed to be great as a player, activist, and actor. He remains one of the greatest players of all-time and will remain on most lists for years and decades to come.