On Friday, Jim Brown’s wife announced that the legendary running back has died at the age of 87. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was one of the all-time great running backs, winning multiple MVPs and leading the league in rushing in eight of his nine NFL seasons.
As a result, many fans, analysts and organizations began to mourn the loss of such an important player in football, and American history. From the Browns—the only organization he every played with—to prominent members of the NFL or football media, to just people who knew who he was and what he stood for, everyone had something to say about Brown.
Legendary Browns running back and prominent civil rights advocate Jim Brown has died at the age of 87, his wife announced pic.twitter.com/asJ0z2YWeY
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 19, 2023
Jim Brown Forever 🧡🤎♾️
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 19, 2023
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
Jim Brown’s wife Monique announced the passing of the Cleveland Browns great at age of 87. Perhaps the most singularly dominant player in NFL history, Brown retired as the game’s all-time leading rusher.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 19, 2023
He led the NFL in rushing in 8 of his 9 seasons and won league MVP 3 times. pic.twitter.com/mHGo07LRT0
Just learning of the LEGENDARY Mr. Jim Brown’s passing. It was an honor to meet and speak with him over the years. His comments regarding my career are the only forms of validation that ever really mattered to me. 32 is THE GREATEST to EVER TOTE THE 🏈 Rest in Heaven JB!
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) May 19, 2023
🙏🏾😢
We will be talking about Jim Brown the running back a lot today, but let’s not forget about him being on the front lines of the civil rights movement and all the positive work he did to educate and positively empower disenfranchised young people
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) May 19, 2023
We are heartbroken by the passing of the legendary Jim Brown.
— NFL (@NFL) May 19, 2023
One of the greatest players in NFL history, a true pioneer and activist. Jim Brown’s legacy will live on forever. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/byBcZ0c7KG
Roger Goodell on the passing of Jim Brown. pic.twitter.com/rK34c3PcHG
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 19, 2023
An absolute legend.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 19, 2023
Rest in Peace Jim Brown.
🙏🏼
Jim Brown:
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) May 19, 2023
* Never missed a game in his career
* Ran for at least 100 yards in 58 of his 118 regular-season games
* Still an NFL-best 8 rushing titles
* Only non-QB to win 3 NFL MVPs
* Ranked the 4th greatest athlete of the 20th century by ESPN
via @ESPNStatsInfo #Browns
Rest in peace, JIM BROWN. THE greatest ever. ❤️🙏🏈 pic.twitter.com/IkBN3wMKB5
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 19, 2023
Just saw the news about Jim Brown passing away. After my pops passed, Jim became an important father figure in my life. He was always there for me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. 🐐 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/dlAIKTTBf3
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) May 19, 2023
Jim Brown, My friend and idol, I’ll miss you forever. We Will always be there for Monique and kids. ✌🏿Till we meet again at the running back table in heaven. I love you brother .
— Thurman Thomas (@thurmanthomas) May 19, 2023
Today, we lost a true legend. May Jim Brown, my @ProFootballHOF brother, rest in peace and power. pic.twitter.com/E1TSztpjga
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) May 19, 2023
Forever In My Heart! Jim And Mrs. Monique accepted everyone with open arms and love, not only the sports world but the entire is deeply saddened!! WE LOVE YOU JIM AND PRAYERS UP FOR THE BROWN FAMILY https://t.co/kGjoxaXlTv
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) May 19, 2023
Legend. Icon. 44.
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) May 19, 2023
There will be only one Jim Brown. We're saddened to have lost the greatest of all time today.
Our thoughts are with the Brown family, his friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/a3W5PuQUvE
You can't underestimate the impact #JimBrown had on the @NFL. He will be greatly missed.
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) May 19, 2023
Additionally, his generosity and friendship with my family is a gift that we will always treasure.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Brown Family & @Browns fans at this time. https://t.co/6KbzGhQwoL pic.twitter.com/mTObQPXsnO
There isn’t a man who played running back in the NFL who didn’t see Jim Brown as an iconic legend on and off the field. Rest easy, my brother. https://t.co/j7GQgHkT0f
— Tony Dorsett (@Tony_Dorsett) May 19, 2023
We stand with Cleveland in honoring a @Browns football legend and community activist, Jim Brown. ❤️🧡 pic.twitter.com/4tSKSLx4W7
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 19, 2023
Saddened to hear of the passing of the great Jim Brown. He was a true inspiration for the black community and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. -The Sam Cooke Estate pic.twitter.com/5O87pwjSEq
— Sam Cooke (@OfficialSCooke) May 19, 2023
My heart aches at this very moment after hearing of the passing of Jim Brown.
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) May 19, 2023
He is and was a true legend in sports and in the community using his platform to help others.
Thanks King 🖤🕊️ pic.twitter.com/BBrvJdXiTr
The loss of Brown will be felt throughout not only the NFL, but the country for the foreseeable future. The legendary running back is considered one of the greatest football players ever, while also being a key voice in the Civil Rights movement. Brown, who is known for his activism, was involved in a number of off-the-field incidents, many of which took place after he retired from football.
Once the NFL season begins, the league is sure to honor Brown in some way. For now, fans and analysts are mourning the loss on social media.
