James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown (born February 17, 1936) is an
American former professional
football player who has also made his mark as an
actor and
social activist. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a
running back for the
NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by
The Sporting News as the greatest professional football player ever.
[Football's 100 Greatest Players: #1 Jim Brown, The Sporting News, accessed April 1, 2008]
Biography
James Nathaniel Brown was born to Theresa (a housekeeper) and Swinton Brown (a professional boxer).
[Jim Brown Biography (1936-)]
At
Manhasset High School, Brown earned 13 letters playing
football,
lacrosse,
baseball,
basketball and running
track.
[The New York Times, March 22, 2002. Accessed October 15, 2007]
