Sportsmanship in Black: Jim Brown

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James Nathaniel Brown was born February 17, 1936 in St. Simons, Ga.  His family moved to Manhasset, N.Y. when he was eight.  It was there, specifically at Manhasset High School where Brown made his mark as a stellar athlete.  He played college football at Syracuse University and earned All-American honors his senior year.  Brown also excelled as a great lacrosse player while at Syracuse.  The Cleveland Browns selected him with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft.  Brown had an amazing professional career.  He only played nine seasons, but is still widely regarded as the best football player ever.   Jim Brown was a nine-time All-Pro selection and three-time NFL MVP.  He retired from the NFL at age 29 as the career leader in rushing yards (12,312), rushing touchdowns (106), total touchdowns (126) and all-purpose yards (15,549).

Amazingly, some 45 years after his retirement, Brown is still fifth is rushing touchdowns and in the top 10 in rushing yards and total touchdowns.  His blend of speed and power was unmistakable; whether you watched him in black and white or in HD.  Brown pursued an acting career after football and remained involved in the community as an often outspoken activist.  Watch the following video.  This man's intellect far exceeds his athletic ability and his message resonates today (Email subscribers click here).



Brown is a member of the Pro Football of Fame, the NFL 75th Anniversary Team, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.  He continues to act as an agent for social change and a pioneer who blazes a trail on and off the field.  Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol