Jim Brown

Considered by many to be on the short list of the best players in NFL history, legendary running back Jim Brown ran over, around, and through defenders on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He had everything you could ask for in a player at his position. He was big and strong. He was fast, and he was elusive.

Because of his size, power, speed, and physical style of play, former NFL coach George Allen once referred to Brown as "a fullback who played halfback." Others have likened his presence on the football field to that of a man amongst boys. In short, Brown simply dominated the competition game-in and game-out like no other running back before or since has.

Incredibly, Brown never missed a game in his nine seasons in the NFL. He was named to the Pro Bowl every year, and was an All Pro eight times. Seven times, he rushed for at least 1,000 yards, and had 996 yards in another season. Keep in mind he did this at time when an NFL season consisted of either 12 or 14 games.

Brown led the league in rushing eight times, and he set the single-season record of 1,863 yards during the 1963 season. He also set a record by leading the league in rushing touchdowns five times.

At the time of his retirement, Brown had posted more rushing yards (12,312) and combined net yards (15,459) than any other back ever. Perhaps most impressive, however, is his career average of 5.2 yards per carry, the most of any running back with more than 750 carries.

During his career, Brown was named NFL Rookie of the Year, won NFL MVP honors three times, and earned Pro Bowl MVP three times. In 1971, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with Bill Hewitt, Frank (Bruiser) Kinard, Vince Lombardi, Andy Robustelli, Y.A. Tittle, and Norm Van Brocklin.

Born: James Nathaniel Brown - February 17, 1936 - St. Simons, Georgia
Drafted: The Cleveland Browns selected Jim Brown No. 6 overall in the 1957 NFL Draft.

Years Played: 1957-1965
Position Played: Running Back
Uniform Number: 32
Played For: Cleveland Browns (1957-65)
Alma Mater: Syracuse
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1971
Other Members Inducted in 1971: Bill Hewitt, Frank (Bruiser) Kinard, Vince Lombardi, Andy Robustelli, Y.A. Tittle, and Norm Van Brocklin

Best Known For... Jim Brown is best known as a great running back for the Cleveland Browns and one of the greatest NFL players ever. He also put together an acting career following his playing days, and starred in numerous movies, including 1967 war epic The Dirty Dozen.

Best season
Brown put together many fantastic seasons, but his 1,863 rushing yards during 1963's 14-game season was perhaps his best and remains a Cleveland franchise record. He averaged a gaudy 6.4 yards per carry over the course of the season and also scored 15 touchdowns.

NFL Career Statistics
• Rushing - 2,359 Carries for 12,312 Yards and 106 Touchdowns
• Receiving - 262 Receptions for 2,499 Yards and 20 Touchdowns

NFL Highlights
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1971)
• Selected for the Pro Bowl 9 Times (1957-65)
• Selected First-Team All-Pro 8 Times (1957-61, 1963-65)
• Named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
• Named NFL MVP 3 Times (1957, 1958, 1965)
• Named Pro Bowl MVP 3 Times (1961, 1962, 1965)