(CNN) –– Jim Brown, an NFL star with the Cleveland Browns and a leading activist in the civil rights movement, died Friday, the team said.
He was 87 years old.
On their Twitter account, the Browns they fell: “Jim Brown forever. Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary.”
“It is impossible to describe the deep love and gratitude we feel for having had the opportunity to be a small part of Jim’s incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world,” they added.
And they ended their message by noting that their “hearts go out to Jim’s family, his loved ones and all those he impacted along the way.”
Dee and Jimmy Haslam, owners of the Browns, issued a statement in which they stressed that “Jim Brown is a true icon, not only of the Cleveland Browns but of the entire NFL. Without a doubt, he was the greatest to ever wear a Browns uniform and arguably one of the greatest players in NFL history.”
“His commitment to making a positive impact for all of humanity off the field is something he should also be known for. In our time with Jim, especially when we first became part of the Browns, we learned a lot from him about the unifying force that sports can be and how to use sports as a vehicle for change while having an impact. positive in the community.”
