Remembering football's 'greatest player,' Hall of Famer Jim Brown: 1934-2023

The football world today is celebrating the life and career of Jim Brown, the Cleveland Browns fullback whom many considered the greatest athlete to play professional football. Brown died May 18, 2023, at the age of 87.

[@jimbradley5926]

I saw Jim play and lead the Browns to the NFL championship in 1964. He was the greatest running back of all time.

[@jehudavis5422]

Barry sanders

[@jehudavis5422]

@@farplenorp yep so where do we go from here? It's an opinion

[@paulsamora1348]

Not only the greatest running back, the G.O.A.T. player as well. PERIOD

[@jehudavis5422]

@@paulsamora1348 not even close. Different era. He was running over a bunch of out of shape white boys but a bad ass also. But not the greatest rb. Sanders is the goat! And I'm a white boy!

[@jehudavis5422]

@@farplenorp nope its sanders

[@chrisgonz9963]

RIP Legend icon Jim Brown 🙏

[@prentice9875]

Jim Brown will always be the goat he did it in 9nseasons everyone else take 17 yrs

[@mikepuleo9375]

Jim Brown is one of the top NFL players of all time regardless of position

[@WMusick]

I love the old films of him dragging 2, 3, 4+ wannabe tacklers.

[@lordemed1]

Sad day indeed. Jim Brown #32 was the greatest I ever saw. Also excelled in lacrosse and as a baseball pitcher...and as a man.

[@loydkline]

Love ❤️ watching Jim brown running 🏃‍♀️ with the NFL football & great actor

[@tyronejames4187]

The Pro Football HOF said it... The GOAT

[@musicman76enator]

Jim Brown is one of the greatest running backs of all time. My personal GOAT pick is Walter Payton but Jim is probably 2nd GOAT. He is most definitely one of the greatest football players ever for sure. He also did an excellent job playing defensive coordinator Montezuma in Any Given Sunday a.k.a. one of the best movies ever about pro football. He was an ambassador to the game, an icon in Cleveland, and a legendary historical figure to the world. There will never be another Jim Brown. Rest in Peace, Jim. Thank you for the memories. We will miss you. 🏈

[@clevelandcbi]

Led the league in rushing 8 out of 9 seasons. No one else went over 4. Brown's been argued as the greatest player ever. Even Walter and Barry (my 2a and 2b) can't claim that. HOF defenders literally feared tackling him. And RIP to Walter. Loved watching him as a kid. Died way too soon.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Happened to grow up in Cleveland and lived in Chicago. Saw them both in their prime. Brown was a better RB.

[@josephpinkney1708]

Sorry. Jim Brown is the G.O.A.T

[@DJ324324]

Jim Brown thank you for carrying the torch of social justice...I will miss you!

[@wallacewellons8757]

Never layed out on the field. Never missed a game due to a injury .first down brown they called him. A super hero RIP MR BROWN

[@infiniteuniverse9528]

Jim Brown was a force of nature and remains the envy of every man. On behalf of the entire NFL Family, RIP to the GOAT

[@robschannel4512]

Jim Brown, the greatest. RIP

[@markegan2480]

You’re the greatest running back of all time, you were a fighter in everything you did in life, you never gave up, unlike players today who run out of bounds with the football, I remember you giving those defensive guys the stiff arm and staying in bounds to get the extra yards, no running out of bounds for you, no sir , RIP number 32 😢

[@TP5417]

RIP Hall Fame Jim Brown.

[@thomasmazanec374]

The GOAT. Also considered the greatest college player ever. Bobby Mitchell was a member of the gold medal winning 4x100 Olympic team in 1960. At training camp that season he challenged Brown to a 100 yard race. Brown won.

[@richardplantan4375]

He was a genetic freak. In my opinion in had the greatest physique in sports history.

[@christopherlittle579]

RIP, warrior!

[@MarkBenson-rx5sl]

RIP you are the greatest of all time North East Ohio will miss you 😔

[@SpiritMover314]

Actor, Activist, Player, Hall Of Famer……I still don’t think he gets the mention as one of the Greatest Of All Time RB’s like he should…..Unlike a lot of legends, Brown ran in an era of only 12-14 games per season, and still amassed eye popping stats….He was one of the original bruisers w/ grace…..Amazing life, amazing man…..R.I.P…..Mr. Brown!…A lot of us stand on your shoulders….👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️

[@wardatkins1320]

One of our greatest treasures Jim Brown

[@johnnymason2460]

Jim Brown earned the right to be an NFL Hall of Famer. Rest in peace, Mr. greatest player of all time.

[@Old_Sailor85]

Lifelong Browns fan, and native Clevelander. I barely remember him playing, but I've seen many films. Lots of great running backs since then, but he still may be the best.

[@waynemiles7027]

There is no maybe about it, he is the greatest to ever play the position. His record speaks for itself!

[@shordystarx]

rip, the goat at the rb position.

[@laurice8056]

Jim Brown’s life story is the stuff that makes an amazing movie 🎥 🍿. What an amazing man, on and off the field 🏈. My condolences to his family. RIP

[@rfwiggins5907]

He made suits look good. Did you see him in Slaughter?

[@tmurphy2725]

The Greatest Running Back ever & The Greatest Football Player ever, period.

[@theturnerfamilyttf3857]

Rest in power Jim brown we all love you, we all will miss you and will continue to carry on winning in Cleveland 🎉❤

[@loydkline]

Jim brown unstoppable as a running back

[@DavidChambers-dq1nz]

Thank you, Jim Brown! May you RIP!

[@JGLeber]

Could you imagine Jim playing Lacrosse.Yah I can

[@JGLeber]

Real tough football back then

[@markyale6953]

RIP a True Legend, a member of the Browns, Multiple Championships in pre sb era.... and in his first movie as an actor a member of the Dirty Dozen (WWII Movie) also a member of RB U (syracuse U) where 2 other Great RBS Came to play and 1 had successful career in the NFL a life of INTEGRITY

[@WO2411]

Rip ICON 🤎✨

[@koolhub5891]

The greatest Pro Football running back ever, 12 thousands plus yards in 9 seasons, you have to remember back then there only 12 regular seasons games. The fact I want to point out he was also the first- African American inducted to the pro Football hall of fame in Canton, Ohio 24 miles South of my hometown of Akron, Ohio, that being said he became a actor in Hollywood, and also worked with gang members in Los Angles area as well. The late Jim Brown, was a man, man and help a lot of young Black men, he was a powerful and tough running back, with power and speed and finesse, RIP Mr Jim Brown.

[@drunkengamer7378]

I remember going to wrestling camp, they would always play those old NFL films at night, that was my introduction to Mr Brown. I have since had the honor of doing my own research on him and other great players. Thank you Mr Brown for inspiring me and a whole generation

[@mrbgladney71]

Rest N Peace 2 1 Of The Greatest Running Backs 2 Ever Grace the Field...Eas"T"exas Respect Job Well Done Mr. Brown.

[@SteveBrant55]

Thank you for this very beautiful tribute. ♥♥♥

[@samdoggtheinfamous253]

RIP Jim Brown your legacy lives forever.

[@otisroseboro5613]

Rip To A Football Legend Jim Brown, We Will Miss You

[@ernestbrooks399]

That's a real man,may you rest in peace.

[@duewhit310]

Jim's health was more important than 25,000 yards rushing & 200TDs & 💸 💸 💸 Barry's health is also more important than stats & football money & glory. Two class acts that knew their health & overall well-being is more important.

[@StevenC32]

I was born in 1963, so I didn't get to see him play live. But I grew up as a huge Cleveland Browns fan and have seen a lot of his footage. He is the best that I have ever seen. Just think he was winning his rushing titles as a Fullback. Can you imagine him as the Tailback in the I formation? He probably would have had at least another 1,000 yards if he was the tailback behind a lead blocker.

[@jamesroof6150]

A great American who fought for civil rights who happened to be not only the greatest running back to suit up in the NFL, but perhaps the greatest player to ever suit up on either side of the ball. 🙏 RIP Mr Brown

[@Budman_Buds]

I was 6 years old in 1965 watching the Packers beat Cleveland in the NFL Championship. Being from NE Ohio of course I was heartbroken. But to this day I only remember one play in that game. Frank Ryan to Jim Brown for 30 yards. TBH I remember more of Leroy Kelly than Jim Brown growing up. But Brown was my football hero. I never wanted to be better than Jim Brown. I wanted to be equal to Jim Brown. In his first game in 1957 he gained 89 yards. As a child I set the goal that when I got to the pros I was going to gain exactly 89 yards in my first game. In his 5th game of 1962 -his 6th season- he gained 11 yds (believe it or not 11/14/1962 vs Colts). In my 6th season of the NFL, I was going to gain 11 yds in my 5th game. Of course as I grew up I realized that HS football was as far I would go. But I always honored that childhood goal. To be better than Jim Brown was an insult!

[@wuncieadams1352]

God bless you James Brown and your survivors. RIP James Brown.

[@jazzruff]

Greatness and to walk away in his prime... smh A True tough guy, the way he talked the way he carried himself....

[@REXX399]

Jim Brown..... Nuff said.

[@ReginaldForman]

Thank you jim

[@RexGarvin-oq3ev]

The First Man Of His Kind!!

[@maureencora1]

Heaven is for Heroes, R.I.P.

[@karenking-ellis441]

My parents called him Jimmy Brown. He was god in Cleveland. RIP Mr. Brown

[@Supbros1902]

Best nfl player of all time

[@andrewanderson3554]

R.I.P. To Mr. Jim Brown and his family relative's and his closest friends. The Real O.G. of both football and civil rights. O.G. Chef Drew.🙏😇🙏😇🙏😇.

[@ronaldandrews283]

He spoke at my highschool in the late 90s.Great speech!

[@phillee6373]

R.I.P. Sir, you will not be forgotten in our hearts and country history. My deepest condolences to the family 💔

[@NiqueFajors]

Thank you for this. What an incredible American.

[@christophersantana5895]

RIP TO JIM BROWN: ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING PLAYERS IN NFL HISTORY.

[@crosstatt7441]

You’re an inspirational athlete, Mr. Brown! You upset me to know that you got in trouble for abuse. However, you admitted that you were wrong. I believe in forgiveness and we all make mistakes.

[@GUNMETALGUYUSA]

GODSPEED MR. BROWN

[@dsmith7969]

Blessings to the brown family

[@ednope3991]

Those who argue that today's players are better than Jim Brown in football, Wilt Chamberlain in basketball, etc. need to consider how much better such players would be if provided the same advantages in the current era, i.e. better nutrition, personalized coaching, personal training, rule changes, etc. Jim Brown, for example, would likely have been bigger, faster, and more skilled than he was back in his era. Who's to say he wouldn't have outshined today's football stars? Of course, we will never know which is why it's silly to make such comparisons.

[@jlilly7913]

I say the same thing to youngsters all the time. With modern equipment, training methods, coaching trends & techniques, and rules, any great player from yesteryear would be great today. A standout is a standout, no matter the era.

[@howardcraigiv518]

RIP to the biggest sport legend in my opinion to ever grace this earth. He also believed in the Sport of MMA before it was even viewed as a professional sport, when big wigs viewed MMA as to Brutal and dangerous. Jim Brown was on the color commentator team for the first couple UFC PPVs He was a legend before his time. Possibly the best Lacrosse player on this earth and he dont even get that credit. His Football achievements and accomplishments overshadow his other Sports accomplishments. RIP to the best Professional Athlete of All Time

[@cobracobra7549]

Rip Jim

[@zyrover]

The man's career rushing average was 104.3 yards per game! There is no other running back even close to that! Superman the actor had an 'S' on his chest. The real Superman wore number 32! RIP Mr. Brown!!!

[@jerrygoldfarb7739]

Was at his 1st home game in Cleveland in 1957 (year I started to go to Browns games)-was at the 1964 Title game and ironocally was also at hios last game the 1965 title game at Lambeau

[@rdavid488]

One of a kind!

[@domenicac.giampaolo9277]

RIP to the goat!

[@ramsesstafford4640]

RIP Mr Brown. 😔

[@jerrybrownell3415]

There have been many great NFL running backs- Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Marcus Allen, Tony Dorset, Earl Campbell, Thurman Thomas, LaDanian Tomlinson, Paul Hornung etc. But Jim Brown was the standard bearer.

[@robertspiller7093]

NEVER PLAYED IN A CONTROL ENVIRONMENT. PLAYED HALF THE SEASON WITH A BROKEN WRIST. EVERY TWO RUSHINGS WAS A FIRST DOWN. HE NEVER MISS A GAME IN NINE SEASONS. BEST YARDS PER CARRY AVERAGE TO THIS DAY.(5.2) SURELY HAD HE PLAYED TODAY'S SCHEDULE HE WOULD BE THE YARDAGE LEADER. JIM BROWN THE GREATEST ATHLETE EVER TO STEP ONTO A FOOTBALL FIELD.

[@NevernotNickpt2]

RIP A legend who really formed a position for others to make a career out of know matter wasn't he was doing it had a good impact on the world

[@hunterporth3302]

RIP

[@willielittle9301]

Jim was born in 1936...Would you believe that he did not win Heisman...SMH...RIP great King...

[@cobracobra7549]

James Nathaniel Brown (February 17, 1936 - May 18, 2023) was an American football

[@drewr4544]

Never....tackled....for a loss.....

[@trustingodsportsndepthstan7133]

All praise to Father GOD and the son JESUS. I was blessed by them to both see him play and meet him on several occasions. And do to two iconic New York city media icons.The late great Carl Nesfield,Malcolm X personal photographer.The Amsterdam News legendary sports editor,Howie Evans.I got to briefly work with Mr.Brown.You can debate about a horde of things in sports and have an argument about such.There is none about who the greatest running back of all times is,Jim.Brown.Who made his mark in both Civil rights,working with our youth and movies.I thank GOD I met him and saw him play.It was said the things he did in the movies were more believable than what he did on a football field.Trust in GOD 💯 %

[@StoryGordon]

I saw him play. WOW! The only problem with this post is he was born in 1936.

[@geraldbeasley]

He show the Swagger RIP Mr.Brown

[@jaunenito]

Never missed a game in 9 years? If there was EVER a question of who's the greatest NFL player the only answer is Slaughter!!

[@crosstatt7441]

Even though Art Modell had fined Jim Brown, they remained friends.

[@ricklarsonjr.9008]

a god amongst men

[@VideoClipsEntertainment]

He was born in 1936

[@keithbell9348]

When it comes to elite quarterbacks There is Tom Brady with the gulf between him and Peyton Manning is small. When it comes to elite runningbacks The gulf between Jim Brown at the top and the next ones on the list under him, is huge. Let that sink in...

[@jeandavies5169]

I talked about J.B. today to a man at the gas station. The Browns can win!!!

[@karlblackwell4819]

Lol

[@sp4604]

what a loss to football. 😢

[@WMusick]

Just look at stats alone. Brown a man, the rest are off spring.

[@jacobball8422]

I hope the NFL honors him this season. I mean they better

[@angelac.phillips-mills5271]

Please fix the title It's 1936 not 1934. Thanks.

[@richardplantan4375]

I think that Jim Brown was the greatest athlete of all time. Michael Jordan is often cited for this distinction but that is wrong. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time but that's it. He averaged .201 as a minor league baseball player. He had a goal to join the PGA when his basketball career ended but that never materialized. Jim Brown averaged 38 points a game in high school basketball ,averaged 15 yards per carry and was a lacrosse all American . Furthermore he is the only athlete who is in the conversation for the greatest in two sports lacrosse and football.

[@tygrkhat4087]

MJ wasn't even the greatest athlete of his generation. Deion Sanders was MLB player, unlike Michael who only got as far as Double A ball. Herschel Walker was also an Olympian, but in bobsled. Oh, yeah, there was also Bo Jackson.

[@williepep-fy7qm]

Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were both greater than MJ

[@luerodgers1795]

🙏🏿🤴🏿💪🏿💪🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿✊🏿✊🏿❤

[@JOZONER]

I REMEMBER WHEN THEY ALMOST STEPPED ON HIS BUNIONS. 😂😂😂😂R.I.P LEGEND JIM BROWN.

[@3321far]

OMG what a loss. The country is much poorer today because we lost a great American.

[@green_guardian5]

The birth year is incorrect he was born in 1936

[@alandenson6649]

The NFL's " ALL TIME SELF ACTUALIZER!!"

[@thomasmacfarlane49]

Jim Brown and Jackie Robinson had struggles but went on to greatness

[@bo2.4u6]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tygrkhat4087]

The NFL 100 Greatest Players had Jerry Rice at #1 and Jim Brown at #2. Well, that was dead wrong. When they picked the 10 Greatest 49ers, Joe Montana was #1.

[@bjones140]

No that just tell you how dumb the 49ers are

[@MisterHeroman]

F

[@flyguy7825]

The dude was one of the most dominant players ever, if not the most dominant player. The dude paved the way for a lot of people. But let's be honest. The dude was a foul human being a piece of s*** people are going to ignore all of the sexual allegations and the convictions which he never denied and he was convicted of a few crimes. But we all know why they're going to kiss his behind because of who he is, the very definition of privilege

[@d.n.adatniccalexxx]

Ok Karen

[@gregoryevans8179]

He wasn’t perfect for sure, but this isn’t the time throw shade. If you weren’t a fan don’t spoil it for others.

[@kenneth7826]

Ok young brother....perfect he was not as a football player he was truly something special ...let us leave it at that..peace

[@tygrkhat4087]

Unlike others (cough, cough, OJ Simpson), Jim paid for his actions and understoond that he was wrong. He was not a perfect man, he was flawed like all of us.

[@kenneth7826]

@@tygrkhat4087 well said

[@miraclemorgan1061]

Eternal Gratitude, good people! I just discovered this today. Rest in Power, Jim.......Job Well Done! One Love Ya'll! One 🌌🫀🧠

[@dannyburch4973]

Legend Icon word's often used to much,Not in this case RIP Mr.Brown.

[@joelholt62]

JB🏈 RIP

[@pillbox1240]

Brown’s corpse = biomass fuel

[@PhuryousOne]

I keep watching these videos and they keep saying wrong facts. He was not the #1 draft pick. He was #6. I saw another video saying he carried the Browns to their only championship in 1964. Horrible research done by charlatans nonetheless.

[@davet6834]

Remember Richard Pryor talking about how he overdosed so bad that time & Mr. Brown kept saying to Richard, " What you gonna do?" He said Mr. Brown HELPED him be a man. Jim Brown left some damn fine memories behind him. ❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🩹💔