NFL legend Jim Brown dies aged 87, player synonymous with running backs

Last Updated on 05/20/2023 by てんしょく飯

US NFL legend Jim Brown passed away on 19 May.

He was 87 years old. His family revealed the news to the US media, and his Cleveland Browns team recognised it.

Mr Brown died at his home in Los Angeles, California, USA. The cause of his death has not been revealed.

He was drafted simultaneously by the NFL Browns and the NBA Nationals in 1957, but joined the Browns.

He led the team as a running back (RB) for nine seasons, setting the NFL rushing record (distance gained on run plays) for a single season with 1.863 yards in 1963. His total of 12.312 yards rushing, 106 rushing touchdowns, 126 touchdowns and 15.549 all-purpose yards were all NFL records at the time.

He was also the first player in NFL history to score 100 rushing touchdowns, the only player to rush for 104.3 yards per game and the only player to average over 100 yards, and was synonymous with RBs in the NFL.

Since his retirement, he has appeared in several films as an actor. He was also a civil rights activist for the respect of African-American human rights.