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'We lost a hero today': LeBron James, Barry Sanders, more mourn legendary NFL star Jim Brown

cydney henderson, usa today
·6 min read

The world is mourning the death of Jim Brown, the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back who is arguably considered the greatest player in NFL history and who was a champion for social activism off the field.

His wife, Monique Brown, announced on Instagram Friday that Brown died Thursday night in Los Angeles. He was 87 and is survived by Monique, their two children and three children from his previous marriage to Sue.

"It it with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed peacefully last night at our LA home," Monique Brown wrote in a statement shared to Instagram. "Our hearts are broken."

NFL LEGEND: Jim Brown, Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 87

Brown spent his entire nine-year career on the Cleveland Browns and led the team to a title in 1964.

The franchise released a statement celebrating Brown as a "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 brought to the world," the Browns statement said, adding, "Jim Brown Forever 🧡🤎."

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said all Black athletes "stand on your shoulders Jim Brown" in an emotional Instagram tribute, where he shared photos of himself and Brown, including a video of James bowing to Brown during the 2015 NBA Finals while he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"If you grew up in Northeast Ohio and were Black, Jim Brown was a God," James wrote. "As a kid who loved football, I really just thought of him as the greatest Cleveland Brown to ever play. Then I started my own journey as a professional athlete and realized what he did socially was his true greatness. When I choose to speak out, I always think about Jim Brown. I can only speak because Jim broke down those walls for me.

"I am so grateful that I was able to call you my friend. I hope I can continue to honor your legacy with my words and actions. My prayers to your family. I know they are all incredibly proud of everything you did for our community! #LegendsNeverDie"

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Brown was "one of the most dominant players to ever step on any athletic field, but also a cultural figure who helped promote change. ... He inspired fellow athletes to make a difference, especially in the communities in which they lived."

Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders said Brown "will be greatly missed."

"You can't underestimate the impact #JimBrown had on the @NFL," Sanders tweeted. "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."

Former Arizona Cardinals star JJ Watt, who recently retired from the NFL after 12 seasons, called Brown "an absolute legend." Watt added, "Rest in Peace."

Former NFL cornerback Jason McCourty, who played 13 seasons in the league including in Cleveland in 2017, said Brown was "a leader and difference maker on and off the field!""RIP to the legend Jim Brown," he tweeted. "It was cool as hell seeing him in the hallways and having conversations with him during my season in Cleveland!"

Former Pro Bowl running back Fred Taylor said "32 is THE GREATEST to EVER TOTE THE (football)."

"It was an honor to meet and speak with him over the years," Taylor tweeted following the news. "His comments regarding my career are the only forms of validation that ever really mattered to me.... Rest in Heaven JB!"

Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, dubbed Brown as "THE greatest ever." Irsay recalled a story of Brown attending one of his shows last year: "It was an incredible honor to have Jim Brown at my show last August... We talked about more than just football. Amazing man."

Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas said he will reunite with Brown "at the running back table in heaven."

"Jim Brown, My friend and idol, I’ll miss you forever," Thomas said. "We Will always be there for Monique and kids. I love you brother."

Jarrett Payton, the son of Walter Payton, another legendary running back, said Brown became an "important father figure in my life" following the passing of his father in 1999: "He was always there for me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim Brown dies: LeBron James, Barry Sanders, Browns, mourn NFL great