[Editor’s note: This story was written by Tim Layden during his 25-year career as a senior writer at SI. He is currently a writer-at-large for NBC Sports.]
On the occasion of a man’s death, society rushes to succinctly define that man. Jim Brown, the legendary Browns running back, has died, according to multiple reports. Brown’s wife, Monique Brown, confirmed the news of the icon’s death on Instagram Friday afternoon, announcing he “passed peacefully” in their Los Angeles home Thursday night.
He was 87 years old.
