Jim Brown Cause of Death, Passed Away, 87
CLEVELAND — Pro football legend Jim Brown, the unstoppable Cleveland Browns running back who retired at the peak of his career to become a Hollywood action hero and civil rights activist, died Thursday night at his home in Los Angeles, his family said. He was 87. His wife, Monique Brown, posted a message on Instagram, saying he “passed peacefully at home” with her by his side.
In a nine-year NFL career that began with the sixth overall selection in the 1957 draft out of Syracuse University, Brown’s bruising running style revolutionized the position. He was a three-time NFL champion and an eight-time All-Pro selection. He also starred in more than 50 films and television shows, often playing himself or other famous sports figures. His film career included roles in Westerns and blaxploitation movies.
A proponent of empowerment and personal responsibility, Brown used his influence to advance the causes of black Americans, especially as he participated in the 1960s civil rights movement. He founded the Amer-I-Can program in 1988 to help gang members meet their academic potential, conform their behavior to societal standards and improve their lives.
He was a prominent figure in the 1967 Ali Summit, an event held in Cleveland to address boxer Muhammad Ali’s refusal to serve in the Vietnam War. He later became a leader in the black power movement and was an advocate for reducing inner-city violence, including rape and murder.
Despite his success in the NFL and as an actor, Brown’s image was marred by multiple domestic abuse incidents involving women. He was convicted of first-degree murder in 1977, but his conviction was overturned after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the prosecution relied on false testimony from a witness who claimed to have heard Brown admit to the crime.
In 2022, director Spike Lee released a documentary about the former athlete that was critically acclaimed and garnered widespread praise from the public. It highlighted the positive aspects of his life while examining how his ill-gotten reputation hurt him in the end. Brown was survived by his wife, Monique, and their son. A memorial service will be held Sunday in Los Angeles. In addition, Brown’s former team the Cleveland Browns will pay tribute to him by flying a special flag at half-mast outside the stadium. They will also wear a patch on their uniforms commemorating Brown. The Browns released a statement Friday, saying that “his legacy will live on forever.” This article originally appeared on USA TODAY. It has been updated with additional details.
