The world of sports suffered a tremendous loss yesterday. NFL icon Jim Brown passed away at the age of 87 at his Los Angeles residence. Brown was an NFL champion, a three-time league MVP, and an actor as well. But his biggest contributions came off the field as a social activist and as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Former President, Barack Obama, as well as long-time friend and Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, shared heartfelt statements.

Brown was a catalyst as a social activist who paved the way for athletes to speak up about the issues in society today. An icon to the city of Cleveland, Brown’s legacy will continue to live on even after his demise.

Jim Brown played a pivotal role in American history

Cleveland Browns icon Jim Brown was considered one of the all-time greats in the history of the NFL, as well as one of the best running back to ever play the game as well. Brown chose to take a stand against racial issues back when the Civil Rights movement was expanding.

He was one of the few athletes during that time who supported Muhammad Ali’s decision to not fight in the Vietnam War alongside Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He even started the Black Economic Union to help businesses owned by the minority. One other organization he founded was the Amer-I-Can Foundation to help members of society by teaching them life skills.

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Brown may have been an athlete first, but some of his best contributions came off the field as a social activist. Even Barack Obama recognized how he paved the way for athletes to speak up in today’s day and age. Akron, Ohio native LeBron James too went to his Instagram to share a post in honor of Brown’s legacy.

As the news broke out, former POTUS Barack Obama went on Twitter to share a message. He wrote, “I was too young to remember Jim Brown’s playing days, but I knew his legacy. One of the greatest football players ever, he was also an actor and activist…Our thoughts are with Jim’s wife Monique, his children, and everyone who knew and admired him.

Abdul-Jabbar too shared an old picture of him with Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Bill Russell from the historic Cleveland Summit in 1967. He tweeted, “My sincerest condolences to Monique and the entire Brown family. I am here for you in friendship always & forever.” Kareem shared more words of appreciation for Brown in an interview with Sportscenter, calling him a pioneer and a natural leader.

Even four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal went on to share the heartbreaking news on his official Instagram page.

Jim Brown’s contribution to the world

Jim Brown played in the NFL for only eight years, but that was enough for him to rack up enough fame & accolades for himself. After Brown’s NFL career, he went on to star in a couple of movies as well.

Apart from his professional acting and NFL career, Brown was a leading social activist back in the time. Brown became one of the very first athletes of African American origin to motivate other African American athletes to take the initiative regarding civil rights off the field.

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It surely is a sad day for all sports fans. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brown’s family members during this tough time.