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Jim Brown, NFL legend and Army vet, dies at age 87

by Mason••27
Jim Brown in 2014

Probably the most famous Cleveland Brown of all time, Jim Brown, passed away yesterday. For nine seasons, from 1957 to 1965, Brown was one of the best players in the NFL. A member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, he was sent to the Pro Bowl every year he played. He got one Super Bowl ring (1964), was a 3x NFL Most Valuable Player (’57, ’58, and ’65), was NFL Rookie of the Year (’57), led the league in rushing yards for eight of his nine years, and was the league leader for rushing touchdowns.

At the time of his retiring from pro football he held several records. He then went in to acting. His most memorable role for me is as one of the convicts in The Dirty Dozen that Lee Marvin’s character whips into a special operations unit. He appeared in many films and TV series over the years.

Before all this, Brown, as most men of his generation were required to at college, participated in the US Army ROTC program at Syracuse. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and served four years in the Army Reserve, while playing in the NFL. He received an honorable discharge as a captain.

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27 thoughts on “Jim Brown, NFL legend and Army vet, dies at age 87”

    1. Mr. Brown played during a time when sportsmanship and patriotism was above everything else.

  3. “Showing weakness will encourage your opponents. It inspires them. It encourages them to hit harder. To come faster.

    But when you don’t show any fear, or when you don’t show any hurt, you have the opportunity to discourage your opponent. You discourage your enemies.

    The bottom line is, if you think properly, you don’t even have to think about all of that. All you have to think about is that guy across from me is human, and so am I. And he’ll never out-work me. He’ll never out-think me. And if you can’t out-work me, and you can’t out-think me, you’ll never beat me.”—Jim Brown

  5. Rest In Peace, CPT James Nathaniel (Jim) Brown.

    Salute.

    “JIM BROWN INDUCTED INTO U.S. ARMY ROTC HALL OF FAME”

    https://cuse.com/news/2016/6/10/football-jim-brown-inducted-into-us-army-rotc-hall-of-fame

    “Orange football legend Jim Brown has been selected for induction into the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame the Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs announced on Friday, June 10.”

    “Brown is one of two University alums in this year’s inaugural induction class, along with Maj. Gen. Peggy Combs. The pair will be recognized later today in a formal ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the ROTC.”

    “One of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, Brown graduated from Syracuse in 1957 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC. Shortly after graduation, Brown entered the NFL Draft and was selected sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns. He also continued his military training commitment at Ft. Benning, Ga. as an Army Reserve officer. Brown continued to serve for four more years and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve with the rank of captain.”

    “In 1957, Brown was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and won the league’s rushing title, all while serving as an Army Reserve officer. Through his commitment to service, Brown exemplified the character and commitment expected of a leader and officer in the United States Army. Over the next eight years, Brown won three more league MVP awards, was elected to play in every Pro Bowl, and led the NFL in rushing seven more times.”

  11. Mr. Brown was the legend and leader on and off the field that punks like Kaepernick only dream of being. Salute for a life well lived.

  12. The best RB in NFL history….and if you read his bio, the BEST lacrosse player EVER. The guy was an athlete and a patriot.

    1. Lacrosse was actually his primary sport at Syracuse. Football was just a side gig to him.

  13. …When the knee-for-the-anthem nonsense started, the Browns players were split on whether or not to do it. Jim Brown went to their locker room following a practice session and told them – quietly, clearly, and firmly – “Don’t”.

    Some eventually did, but it was a while before it came up again.

  16. A life well lived, served his country, had a great football career then moved on to other pursuits. Well done Capt., RIP.

  18. My favorite movie line of his- “What the fuck; I ain’t killed nobody in a long time.”

  20. Was he also known as Jim Ed Brown, back in the 50s? That’s the name I remember him by… maybe memory is only for so long.

    1. Jim Ed Brown was a country singer, known for “The Three Bells” and “Pop a Top” (later covered by Alan Jackson). Well before my time but I can’t help but crank up Willies Roadhouse when one of his songs come on.

      RIP Jim Brown, you served well and will forever be immortalized by your work in Hollywood and the NFL.

  21. As good of a player as Jim was in football, I think he was even better as a lacrosse player.

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