By Marc Lawrence, PlaybookSports.com — Iconic Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown has died at age 87.
Brown, who was selected in the first round of the 1957 draft, played nine seasons for the Browns (1957-65) and led the league in rushing eight of those years.
Brown retired at 30, at the top of his career. He was filming the movie “The Dirty Dozen” during the offseason in 1966, and production went long because of bad weather.
Browns owner Art Modell threatened to suspend Brown’s pay if he didn’t report to training camp on time. Brown opted to retire, saying he wanted to focus on his movie career and social issues.
He rushed for 12,312 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry over his career. He also was named a Pro Bowler every year he played.
RIP, Jim Brown.
