This generation knows Tom Brady as the GOAT of the NFL. With a scintillating career and 7 Super Bowl Championships, Brady has built an impressive record for himself in the league. But there was a time before Brady when another player wreaked havoc for teams but as a running back. A player who rose to stardom in a brief career before the AFL-NFL merger in 1966. It was none other than Jim Brown. But, there was a story behind his shocking retirement announcement once.

Brown was a headache for his opponents. With an insane speed and strength more powerful than a freight train, Jim Brown led the Cleveland Browns on the field with a stature like none other. He experienced quite the success in a career that was not a lengthy one in the league. But why did Brown decide to hang up his cleats during his peak performance in the game?

Jim Brown made an early retirement from his NFL career

The 1960s was a different age altogether. Especially with all the civil rights movements for the black community. It was also a very different time for black athletes who had spectacular careers in the world of sports. And Jim Brown was one of those individuals who enjoyed success at an early age back then.  After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1957, he wracked up statistics that leave people in awe even today. He never missed a game in his nine seasons with the Browns. He was also the reason why the Browns won their first and last NFL championship back in 1964. But in his 30s, he made a decision to retire from the game. And the situation for athletes at that time is the primary reason why he did so.

According to an article by The New York Times, the 60s were an era where team owners had a different kind of dominance over their players. And black athletes felt this aggression more than the rest. But Jim Brown was not someone who would give in to this oppression. In 1966, he was an actor in the film “The Dirty Dozen”, his start in Hollywood. When the weather conditions delayed the production of the film, Art Modell, who was the owner back then, threatened to fine Jim Brown for every day he missed at the training camp. Refusing to be treated like the rest, Brown called for a press conference and decided to retire from the game.

Trending

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill Left Stunned by 64YO Washington Legend as Darrell Green Shows Insane Athletic Prowess

May 05, 2024 06:15 AM EDT

Shannon Sharpe Addresses Coach Prime’s Alleged Criticism for Not ‘Protecting’ Him From Controversial Attacks

May 04, 2024 05:31 AM EDT

“Coward”: Deion Sanders’ Innocence Shines as Dylan Edwards and Father’s Behavior Exposed in Fiery Feud With Colorado Buffs

May 04, 2024 04:10 AM EDT

“Deal With Big Boy Repercussions”: Cormani McClain & Co. Slapped With Transfer Portal’s Harsh Reality After Ditching Coach Prime’s Colorado

May 04, 2024 06:37 PM EDT

“He’s Alive and Recovering”: Coach Prime Shows Vulnerability Over ‘Brother’s’ Sudden Health Scare and Recovery Update

May 04, 2024 02:20 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I Tried to Keep It Together but Couldn’t”: Michael Jai White Shares Heartfelt Message on the Passing of “Hero” Jim Brown

After his NFL stint, the athlete also became a prominent figure for the rights of Black people along with his Hollywood career. And after a life of glory, he left for his heavenly abode recently.

Brown passes away at the age of 87

Jim Brown’s wife, Mrs. Monique Brown, shared that the legendary NFL player passed away peacefully at their residence in Los Angeles. His death was a hard knock on the sports world all over. Athletes from various sports came forward to pay their tributes to the legacy Jim Brown created, as his death was a hard loss for athletes all around.

Watch this story: “Rest in peace”: 87-year-old NFL legend passes away, leaves a lasting impact

Not only was he famous for his incredible athletic career but for also his contributions to the fight against racism in the country. Even stars of this generation came forward to mourn the death of this icon, who will always have an everlasting impact on the lives of millions of people. 

His legacy will never be forgotten. And his aura will always be remembered.