Jim Brown Obituary, Death – Jim Brown, 87, died. (AP) The 1960s actor and civil rights crusader Jim Brown died. Aged 87. A family representative said Brown died quietly at his Los Angeles home with his wife, Monique, on Thursday night. Brown, one of football’s first superstars, was awarded NFL MVP in 1965 and set league records in his brief 1957–65 career.
Brown retired to act after winning the 1964 NFL title. His 30 films included “Any Given Sunday” and “The Dirty Dozen”. Brown, a powerful, fast, and durable runner, increased the game’s broadcast appeal. Brown defended Black Americans. Brown organized a 1967 Cleveland rally of renowned Black sportsmen, including Bill Russell and Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), to support Muhammad Ali’s anti-Vietnam war campaign.
He founded Amer-I-Can to aid inner-city youth and ex-convicts and fight LA gang violence. Brown was unstoppable, evading linebackers and defensive backs. He was noted for stiff-arming defenders. Brown told NFL Films his arms were weapons. Some consider Brown the best. He was ruthless and 6-foot-2, 230 pounds. He ran around and through opponents, dragging many defenders along, or finding spaces where none existed.
After being tackled, Brown would slowly rise and return to the huddle, then dominate the defense when he got the ball.
Brown argued off-field. His kindness changed lives despite six arrests for hitting women. Brown’s wife, Monique, contacted 911 in June 1999 to tell her that Brown shoveled her car and threatened to kill her. Monique Brown recanted. Jim Brown was convicted of misdemeanor vandalism but not domestic threats. Brown was imprisoned for six months for rejecting Los Angeles domestic violence counseling.
He feuded with Browns coach Paul Brown and team administration during his time in Cleveland. Brown retired to Hollywood. Brown retired during training camp while filming “The Dirty Dozen” in England. 100 Rifles, Mars Attacks! “He Got Game,” “Any Given Sunday,” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” mocked blaxploitation. Lee’s 2002 HBO documentary “Jim Brown: All-American” featured Brown.
Brown’s Brown’s relationship changed recently. Advised owner Randy Lerner and younger players.
