Full History Of Jim Brown In Timeline From 1936

February 17, 1936: Birth of Jim Brown

On February 17, 1936, James Nathaniel Brown, later known as Jim Brown, was born. He would go on to become a renowned figure in American football and a prominent civil rights activist.

1949: Steve Van Buren's Rushing Record

In 1949, Steve Van Buren set the previous NFL rushing record, which stood until Jim Brown's remarkable performance in 1958.

1953: Jim Brown Begins his College Career at Syracuse University

Jim Brown enrolled at Syracuse University in 1953, where he would not only excel as an athlete but also face the challenges of racism and discrimination.

1955: Jim Brown's Athletic Prowess Extends Beyond Football

Jim Brown demonstrated his exceptional athleticism in 1955, finishing fifth in the National Championship decathlon and earning recognition in basketball and lacrosse, proving his versatility in multiple sports.

1956: Jim Brown's Stellar Senior Year at Syracuse University

Jim Brown had an exceptional senior year at Syracuse University in 1956, earning All-American honors and setting school records in football while showcasing his skills in basketball, track, and lacrosse.

1957: NFL Runners-Up Finish

In 1957, Jim Brown's rookie season, the Cleveland Browns finished as NFL runners-up.

1957: Jim Brown Sets NFL Single-Game Rushing Record

In a remarkable feat during his rookie season in 1957, Jim Brown set a new NFL single-game rushing record, showcasing his exceptional talent and leaving a lasting mark on the league.

1957: Jim Brown's NFL Debut

Jim Brown began his professional football career with the Cleveland Browns in 1957, marking the start of a legendary journey in the NFL.

1958: Jim Brown Breaks NFL Single-Season Rushing Record

Jim Brown continued to shatter records in 1958, breaking the NFL single-season rushing record and solidifying his position as one of the league's most dominant running backs.

1958: Start of Jim Brown's Dominance in All-Purpose Yards

Jim Brown's reign as a versatile and dominant player began in 1958 as he started his streak of leading the NFL in all-purpose yards, showcasing his impact beyond rushing.

September 1959: First Marriage

Jim Brown married Sue Brown (née Jones) in September 1959.

1960: Brown Foreshadows Early Retirement

In 1960, 24-year-old Jim Brown began contemplating an early retirement due to the physical toll of playing as a lead running back. He expressed concerns about the impacts of frequent ball-carrying and tackling on his career longevity and health, citing the example of quarterback Otto Graham, who retired while still at the top of his game.

1960: Birth of Twins

Jim Brown and Sue Brown welcomed twins in 1960.

1961: Jim Brown's Continued Excellence in All-Purpose Yards

Jim Brown maintained his exceptional performance in 1961, continuing his streak of leading the NFL in all-purpose yards and solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded player.

1962: Birth of Son

Jim Brown and Sue Brown had a son in 1962.

1963: Record-Breaking Season

In 1963, Jim Brown set a Cleveland franchise record with 1,863 rushing yards, a record that still stands as the oldest franchise record for rushing yards among all 32 NFL teams. His average of 133 yards per game that season was only surpassed by O.J. Simpson in 1973.

1963: Jim Brown Sets Multiple Rushing Records

Jim Brown's dominance in the NFL was evident in 1963 as he set multiple rushing records, including the single-season rushing record, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

1964: Jim Brown's Final Season Leading in All-Purpose Yards

In 1964, Jim Brown had his final season as the NFL leader in all-purpose yards, concluding an impressive streak and leaving a legacy of versatility and dominance.

1964: NFL Championship Win

In 1964, Jim Brown led the Cleveland Browns to an NFL championship, rushing 27 times for 114 yards and catching 3 passes for 37 yards in the championship game.

1964: Acting Debut in Rio Conchos

In 1964, Jim Brown made his acting debut in the Western action film Rio Conchos, which premiered at Cleveland's Hippodrome theater. The reaction to the film was mixed, with critics noting Brown's serviceable performance despite the film's overcooked plotting.

1964: Jim Brown's NFL Championship Victory

Jim Brown achieved a significant milestone in his football career in 1964 when he led the Cleveland Browns to win the NFL Championship.

1965: Retirement and Records

When Jim Brown retired in 1965, he held the record for yards per carry by a running back, which remained unbroken until 2012.

1965: Third League MVP Award

Jim Brown won his third league MVP award in 1965, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NFL history.

1965: NFL Runners-Up Finish

In 1965, Jim Brown's final season, the Cleveland Browns finished as NFL runners-up.

1965: Jim Brown's Retirement from the NFL

In 1965, at the peak of his career, Jim Brown made the unexpected decision to retire from professional football, choosing to pursue a career in acting.

1965: First Black Televised Boxing Announcer

In 1965, Jim Brown became the first black televised boxing announcer in the United States, announcing the Terrell–Chuvalo fight. He is also credited with first suggesting a career in boxing promotion to Bob Arum.

1965: Arrest for Assault and Battery

In 1965, Jim Brown was arrested in his hotel room for assault and battery against 18-year-old Brenda Ayres. He was later acquitted of the charges. This incident marked one of the earliest controversies in Brown's personal life.

July 1966: Jim Brown Retires from NFL

In July 1966, after winning his third league MVP award in 1965, Jim Brown retired from the NFL at age 30. His decision was influenced by a threat of fines from team owner Art Modell for missing training camp due to movie commitments.

1966: Founding of the Negro Industrial Economic Union

In 1966, Jim Brown founded the Negro Industrial Economic Union, later known as the Black Economic Union (BEU), to promote economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Brown emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable economic base for African Americans rather than engaging in protests. The BEU secured loans and grants to support community initiatives. This year marked a significant step in Brown's advocacy for economic empowerment within the African American community.

1966: Role in The Dirty Dozen

In early 1966, while filming The Dirty Dozen in London, Jim Brown faced production delays that caused him to miss part of the Cleveland Browns' training camp. This led to a conflict with team owner Art Modell, who threatened fines, ultimately prompting Brown to announce his retirement.

1967: Cleveland Summit and Civil Rights Activism

In 1967, Jim Brown participated in the Cleveland Summit alongside Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Carl Stokes to support Muhammad Ali's stance against the Vietnam War and his civil rights activism. This event was a significant turning point for the role of athletes in social justice movements.

1968: Lead Role in The Split

In 1968, Jim Brown was cast in his first lead role in the film The Split, for which he was paid $125,000. This role, along with his portrayal of a Marine captain in Ice Station Zebra, helped establish Brown as 'the first black action star.'

1968: Assault Charges with Intent to Commit Murder

In 1968, Jim Brown was charged with assault with intent to commit murder after model Eva Bohn-Chin was found beneath the balcony of his second-floor apartment. The charges were later dismissed when Bohn-Chin refused to cooperate. Brown was fined for striking a deputy sheriff involved in the investigation.

1968: Support for Richard Nixon

In 1968, due to Jim Brown's economic advocacy for the African American community through the Black Economic Union (BEU), Richard Nixon expressed support for black capitalism during his presidential campaign. Brown endorsed Nixon, believing this approach would bring about real change for African Americans.

1968: Divorce Filing

Sue Brown filed for divorce from Jim Brown in 1968, citing "gross neglect".

1969: Jim Brown's Breakthrough Role in "100 Rifles"

In 1969, Jim Brown's role in the film "100 Rifles" broke cinematic barriers by featuring interracial love scenes, solidifying his status as a Hollywood pioneer.

1969: Groundbreaking Role in 100 Rifles

In 1969, Jim Brown starred in 100 Rifles, where he was billed over co-stars Raquel Welch and Burt Reynolds. This film featured one of the first interracial love scenes in a major Hollywood movie, further establishing Brown’s prominence in the film industry.

1969: Success with Riot and 100 Rifles

In 1969, Jim Brown starred in two successful films, Riot and 100 Rifles. For 100 Rifles, he was paid $200,000 and received a percentage of the box office, making him one of the highest-paid black actors at the time.

1970: Not Guilty of Assault and Battery

In 1970, Jim Brown was found not guilty of assault and battery, charges stemming from a road-rage incident in 1969.

1971: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

Jim Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, recognizing his exceptional career in professional football.

1971: Jim Brown's Enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Jim Brown's exceptional contributions to professional football were honored in 1971 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1972: Divorce Finalization

Jim Brown and Sue Brown's divorce was finalized in 1972. Jim was ordered to pay alimony and child support.

December 1973: Engagement to Diane Stanley

In December 1973, Jim Brown proposed to Diane Stanley, a Clark College student he met earlier that year.

1973: O.J. Simpson Surpasses Jim Brown's Record

In 1973, O.J. Simpson exceeded Jim Brown's 1963 record of 133 rushing yards per game, marking a significant moment in NFL history.

September 1974: Nude Appearance in Playgirl

In September 1974, Jim Brown posed nude for Playgirl magazine, becoming one of the rare celebrities to allow full-frontal nude pictures to be published.

1974: Release of Three the Hard Way

In 1974, Jim Brown starred alongside Fred Williamson and Jim Kelly in the action film Three the Hard Way.

1974: Broken Engagement

Jim Brown and Diane Stanley ended their engagement in 1974.

1975: Conviction for Beating Frank Snow

In 1975, Jim Brown was convicted of misdemeanor battery for beating and choking his golfing partner, Frank Snow. He was sentenced to one day in jail, two years' probation, and fined $500.

1978: NFL Telecasts Color Analyst

In 1978, Jim Brown worked as a color analyst on NFL telecasts for CBS, teaming with Vin Scully and George Allen.

1978: NFL Expands to a 16-Game Season

The NFL expanded to a 16-game season in 1978, a change from the era when Jim Brown played, highlighting the significance of his records achieved in fewer games.

1982: One Down, Two to Go Released

In 1982, Jim Brown reunited with Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly, and Richard Roundtree in the action film One Down, Two to Go.

1983: Contemplated NFL Comeback

In 1983, 17 years after retiring from professional football, Jim Brown considered coming out of retirement to play for the Los Angeles Raiders when it seemed that Franco Harris might break his all-time rushing record. Brown criticized Harris' running style and ultimately decided against returning. Walter Payton later broke the record in 1984.

1983: National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Induction

Jim Brown's accomplishments in lacrosse earned him a place in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1983.

October 7, 1984: Walter Payton Breaks Jim Brown's Rushing Record

On October 7, 1984, Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's NFL career rushing record of 12,312 yards, a record Brown had held for many years.

1985: Rape Charges Dismissed

In 1985, Jim Brown was charged with raping a 33-year-old woman, but the charges were later dismissed.

1986: Arrest for Assaulting Fiancée

In 1986, Jim Brown was arrested for assaulting his fiancée, Debra Clark. Clark refused to press charges, leading to Brown's release.

1987: Role in The Running Man

In 1987, Jim Brown appeared opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Running Man, playing the character Fireball in this adaptation of a Stephen King novel.

1988: Founding of the Amer-I-Can Foundation

In 1988, Jim Brown founded the Amer-I-Can Foundation, aiming to divert gang members and prisoners from violence by teaching them life skills. This initiative included helping to establish the Watts truce between rival street gangs in Los Angeles.

1988: Cameo in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka

In 1988, Jim Brown made a cameo appearance in the spoof film I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.

1989: Publication of Autobiography

In 1989, Jim Brown's autobiography, titled Out of Bounds and co-written with Steve Delsohn, was published by Zebra Books. The book details Brown's life and career.

1993: Color Commentator for UFC

In 1993, Jim Brown was hired as a color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a role he occupied for the first six pay-per-view events.

1994: Jim Brown's Touchdown Record Surpassed

In 1994, Jerry Rice broke Jim Brown's NFL touchdown record by scoring his 127th touchdown, marking the end of Brown's long-standing record.

1995: Jim Brown Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

In recognition of his outstanding college football career, Jim Brown was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

1995: College Football Hall of Fame Induction

In recognition of his outstanding football achievements at Syracuse, Jim Brown was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

1996: Roles in Original Gangstas and Mars Attacks!

In 1996, Jim Brown appeared in two films: Original Gangstas and Mars Attacks!

1997: Second Marriage

Jim Brown married his second wife, Monique, in 1997, and they had two children together.

1999: ESPN's 50 Greatest Athletes

ESPN's SportsCentury ranked Jim Brown fourth among their 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century in 1999.

1999: Role in Any Given Sunday

In 1999, Jim Brown played the role of defensive coach Montezuma Monroe in the film Any Given Sunday.

1999: Arrest and Charges

In 1999, Jim Brown was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats toward his wife, Monique, and later found guilty of vandalism for damaging her car. He attributed their arguments to her menstrual cycle.

2000: Sentencing and Jail Time

In 2000, after ignoring the terms of his probation, Jim Brown was sentenced to six months in jail.

2002: Greatest Football Player of All Time

The Sporting News named Jim Brown the greatest football player of all time in 2002.

2002: Jim Brown Named Greatest Football Player by The Sporting News

Jim Brown's legacy as a football player was further solidified in 2002 when The Sporting News bestowed upon him the title of the greatest professional football player ever.

2002: Jail Time and Release

Jim Brown began serving his six-month jail sentence in 2002 after refusing court-ordered counseling and community service. He was released after three months.

2003: Declassified FBI Files

In 2003, declassified FBI files revealed that Jim Brown and his organizations, including the Black Economic Union, were monitored by the FBI, the United States Secret Service, and several police departments. These agencies attempted to smear the group as a source of Communist and radical Muslim extremism and collected information to damage Brown's reputation.

2004: Role in Sucker Free City

In 2004, Jim Brown appeared in the film Sucker Free City.

2006: LaDainian Tomlinson Surpasses Jim Brown's Touchdown Record

LaDainian Tomlinson surpassed Jim Brown's record for scoring 100 touchdowns in the fewest games during the 2006 season, marking a significant moment in NFL history.

2008: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

Darrin Dewitt Henson portrayed Jim Brown in the 2008 sports drama film "The Express: The Ernie Davis Story".

2008: Lawsuit Against Sony and EA Sports

In 2008, Jim Brown initiated a lawsuit against Sony and EA Sports for using his likeness in the Madden NFL video game series without his permission. He claimed that he never signed away any rights to his likeness.

November 4, 2010: Ranked Second Greatest NFL Player

On November 4, 2010, NFL Network's NFL Films production "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players" placed Jim Brown as the second-greatest player in NFL history, second only to Jerry Rice.

2012: Jamaal Charles Breaks Record

In 2012, Jamaal Charles surpassed Jim Brown's long-standing record for yards per carry by a running back.

2012: Part-Owner of the New York Lizards

In 2012, Jim Brown became a part-owner of the New York Lizards of Major League Lacrosse, joining a group of investors in the purchase of the team.

May 29, 2013: Special Advisor to the Browns

On May 29, 2013, Jim Brown was named a special advisor to the Cleveland Browns. In this role, he helped build relationships with the team's players and enhance the NFL's sponsored programs through the team's player programs department.

2013: One Night in Miami (Play)

David Ajala played Jim Brown in the 2013 London production of the play "One Night in Miami".

2014: Greatest Football Player Recognition

The New York Daily News recognized Jim Brown as the greatest football player of all time in 2014.

2015: Reflection on Domestic Violence

In 2015, Jim Brown publicly stated that there is no excuse for violence, particularly towards women, emphasizing the importance of men taking responsibility for their actions.

October 11, 2018: Meeting with President Donald Trump

On October 11, 2018, Jim Brown, along with Kanye West, met with President Donald Trump to discuss the state of America, among other topics. Brown faced criticism from the black community for attending the meeting but defended his decision by emphasizing the importance of engaging with the sitting president.

2018: Jim Brown Ranked 11th on All-Time Rushing List

As of 2018, Jim Brown was ranked 11th on the NFL's all-time rushing list, showcasing his enduring legacy in the sport.

November 2019: NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Jim Brown was selected as one of the twelve running backs on the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team in November 2019.

January 13, 2020: Greatest College Football Player of All Time

During a ceremony at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game commemorating the 150th anniversary of college football, ESPN named Jim Brown the greatest college football player of all time on January 13, 2020.

2020: Jim Brown Honored as Greatest College Football Player of All Time

During the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship, Jim Brown received a special honor as he was recognized as the greatest college football player of all time.

2021: One Night in Miami (Film)

Aldis Hodge portrayed Jim Brown in the 2021 film adaptation of "One Night in Miami". It was reported that Brown approved of the film and Hodge's performance.

2021: NFL Expands to a 17-Game Season

In 2021, the NFL further expanded its regular season to 17 games, demonstrating the evolving nature of the league and the enduring legacy of records set in earlier eras like Jim Brown's.

2022: Allegations in Secrets of Playboy

In 2022, the documentary series Secrets of Playboy featured allegations that Jim Brown brutally raped and assaulted numerous women at the Playboy Mansion from the late 1970s into the 1990s. These allegations added to the growing list of accusations against Brown.

May 18, 2023: Death of Jim Brown

Jim Brown passed away on May 18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest football players and a significant figure in the civil rights movement.

2023: Equivalent Fine Calculation

In 2023, the fine that Jim Brown was threatened with in 1966, which was $1,500 per week, was calculated to be equivalent to $14,100 in 2023 dollars.

History of Jim Brown in Timeline