NFL world reacts to the death of football icon Jim Brown

Legendary NFL running back Jim Brown has died at the age of 87.

An iconic NFL figure has died.

Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the best running backs in the history of football, died on Thursday at the age of 87, his wife, Monique, announced Friday afternoon on Instagram.

After being drafted out of Syracuse, Brown’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns from 1957-65 saw him rush for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns.

He won a Super Bowl with Cleveland in 1964 and won the league’s MVP award three times (1957, 1958, 1965). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

After his playing career, Brown transitioned into a Hollywood acting career, appearing in films such as The Dirty Dozen, El Condor, Riot, 100 Rifles, The Running Man and Any Given Sunday. He was also known for his active role in the Civil Rights movement.

Since the 1960s, Brown was accused multiple times of assault and domestic violence, including rape charges that were ultimately dropped. In 1999, he was charged with making “terroristic” threats against his wife and convicted of vandalizing her vehicle.

In his later days, Brown had served in an advisory role within the Cleveland Browns organization.

The NFL, the Cleveland Browns and league commissioner Roger Goodell all put out statements in response to Brown’s death.