Another legend gone. RIP Jim Brown

We lost a great one today. NFL in mourning. He was also a great LaCrosse player among other things. Big loss. HUGE...
I remember watching him on TV when I was a kid. Retired at 29 I think. He could have had so many more records.

 

RIP James

 

Sad to hear he passed - and there is no doubt as to his greatness on the field and in promoting civil rights and opportunities for groups that typically were not represented.

That said - just like many great people, let’s not get so caught up in the honors to forget he wasn’t always the greatest personality. What made him great off the field though is he learned from those mistakes, realized how fleeting greatness is and how quickly people will stop kissing your ass the moment your not the football golden boy.

Anyone that remembers him after he hung up the cleats and some of the stuff he did that decade plus before he became a community activist will know what I mean. He found a way to give back eventually - but the reason he felt the need to speak out for those who were in jails and couldn’t find work coming out was because he was one of them. He had a very big personality and thought he’d make a mint in Hollywood - that was clearly not going to happen. Toughest guy in and off the field - but he softened a little with middle age. Learned you can stand up for what you believe in without having to piss off the other side. Can remember a time where asking this man for an autograph would be a not so pleasant experience for many. RIP

Hopefully Brown’s have some sort of ceremony/memorial at the HOF game this year - then at the same time I think poor Joe Thomas - this was supposed to be the ONE time he finally got the spotlight on him with his induction and his franchise playing in the game that weekend. Now he’s gonna be overshadowed by the late great #32 - doubt he’ll mind though.

 

Pretty much sums it up. Very human. Not perfect. Interesting life for sure. Definitely wouldn't have asked for an autograph!