Syracuse legend Jim Brown passes away
Syracuse and NFL legend Jim Brown passed away on Friday at the age of 87.
Brown, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, is the only man enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame (1995), National Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1984) and the Professional Football Hall of Fame (1971).
He will be forever synonymous with Syracuse. Brown was the first to wear No. 44, beginning the long tradition of the legendary number at Syracuse. In his senior season (1956), he was a unanimous All-American, rushing for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He went on to star in the Cotton Bowl that season, rushing for 132 yards and three scores. The No. 44 was later worn by legends Ernie Davis and Floyd Little and retired by the University.
"Jim Brown was the greatest player to ever play the game,” Syracuse head football coach Dino Babers said in a statement. “I remember my dad making me watch his highlights as a kid so I could appreciate his greatness. He was the best of the best and will be forever remembered as a Syracuse legend and the best of all time."
Aside from football, Brown also lettered in three other sports, including lacrosse. He finished his SU career as a two-time lacrosse All-American, and was the nation’s second leading scorer as a senior (43 goals in 10 games).
He also played on SU's basketball team and ran track and field.
“Jim Brown is one of the greatest all around athletes of all time,” Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack said in a statement. “At Syracuse he was the first of the famed 44’s and excelled at lacrosse, basketball and track & field."
After his Syracuse career, he was selected with the sixth pick of the 1957 NFL Draft, and played for nine seasons. He was a Rookie of the Year, a two-time MVP and was a nine-time Pro Bowler. Brown also won a championship with the Cleveland Browns in 1964, who retired his jersey.
After his athletic career, he was an actor, broadcaster and social activist. Brown also served in the Army following his graduation from Syracuse, and was honorably discharged after earning the rank of captain.
Brown is survived by his wife, Monique, their children, Aris and Morgan, and his daughter, Kim, and his sons, Kevin and James Jr.
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