Local

MIKE BROWN: Jim Brown was the greatest legend of the game

By Mike Brown Mahoning Matters
Jim Brown is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. Brown’s death was announced May 19, 2023.
Jim Brown is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. Brown’s death was announced May 19, 2023. Mark Duncan AP

When I think of Jim Brown, the Hall of Fame running back of the Cleveland Browns who died last week at age 87, I can think of no other player who better defined the greatest of the National Football League.

Brown, who won the league rushing title on eight different occasions, was one of those all-time greats who was larger than life.

On the field, he was as tough as they come. He was a running back who took pleasure in running over as much as past a defender.

Nothing was going to stop Jim Brown, who left the league on top of his game to become an actor and an activist for civil causes and went on to help thousands of people throughout his life.

There are many great running backs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But there will never be another like Jim Brown.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Get the latest Mahoning Valley news in your email inbox weekday mornings. Sign up here for our free daily newsletter.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here’s how you can support Mahoning Matters.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Mahoning Matters on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.