Legendary NFL Running Back and Trump Supporter Dies

Jim Brown, a legend of the Cleveland Browns, has passed away at the age of 87.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown,” Monique Brown said in a statement. “He passed peacefully last night at our LA home. To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.”

Brown is widely regarded as one of the best running backs of all time, having been awarded the NFL’s Most Valuable Player three times (including his debut year of 1957) and to the All-Pro team in each of his nine seasons. From Syracuse, he was selected 6th overall in the 1957 NFL Draft.

In all but one of his NFL seasons, Brown topped the league in running yards, and on five separate times, he also led the league in rushing touchdowns.

His 12,312 running yards are 11th all-time and his 106 rushing touchdowns are sixth best.

After another First-team All-Pro season in 1965, Brown retired to pursue a career in acting and civil rights advocacy. He was in almost 30 movies.

“It’s impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim’s incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world,” the Browns said in a statement.

“Our hearts are with Jim’s family, loved ones, and all those he impacted along the way.”

“One of the greatest players in NFL history, a true pioneer and activist. Jim Brown’s legacy will live on forever,” the NFL said.

After leading his team to the 1964 NFL title, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971.