Brown, Jim (1936– )

US American football player. As a running back for the Cleveland Browns between 1957 and 1965, he became the first US National Football League (NFL) player to reach the 10,000-yard career mark in rushing. His career total of 126 touchdowns was one of several other NFL records that he set. He was the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1957 and 1965. When he retired in 1965 he had taken his career total to 12,312 yards at 5.2 yards a carry, an average that has never been surpassed. He subsequently embarked on a film career, but attracted more publicity as an outspoken campaigner for black rights. In December 1999 the US magazine Sports Illustrated named him ‘Best American Football Player of the 20th Century’.

At Syracuse University he excelled in other sports as well as football, including basketball, track and field, and lacrosse, at which he was regarded by some as the finest ever college player. He was Rookie of the Year in his first season for the Cleveland Browns in 1957. With the exception of 1962, he led the league in rushing during each of his nine years in the NFL. In 1963 he gained 1,863 yards, a record mark that stood until 1973 when O J Simpson reached 2,003 yards.