Jim Brown passes away at age 87

May 19, 2023, 1:06 PM | Updated: 1:08 pm

CIRCA 1950's: Jim Brown #32 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in a late circa 1950's NFL football game. Brown played for the Browns from 1957-1965. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

One of the founding fathers of football, legendary running back Jim Brown has passed away at age 87.

The news was announced by Brown’s family Friday, confirming his death Thursday evening. He had been struggling with his health the last few years, making seldom appearances at NFL events and games. Brown was last seen at the NFL Honors show in February. He leaves behind his wife Monique, and five children from two marriages.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown,” Monique said in a statement on Instagram Friday. 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…”

Jim Brown Forever 🧡🤎♾️

Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary.

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… pic.twitter.com/F2rrTUnsc1

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 19, 2023

Jim Brown was a pioneer of modern football, playing for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All Pro, three-time league MVP, and a one-time NFL champion. He finished his career with 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns, then league records.

“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Monique and their family,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the league’s statement. “Jim Brown was a gifted athlete — one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field — but also a cultural figure who helped promote change.

“During his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the civil rights movement here at home, he became a forerunner and role model for athletes being involved in social initiatives outside their sport. He inspired fellow athletes to make a difference, especially in the communities in which they lived.”

Gone but never forgotten, the NFL has take steps to honor Brown’s legacy. The league introduced the “Jim Brown Award” at the NFL Honors show in February, given each year to the league leader in rushing yards. Las Vegas Raiders’ RB Josh Jacobs is the first recipient of the award.