Founder of Amer-I-Can and NFL Hall of Fame Legend
Jim Brown is the founder of Amer-I-Can and a former professional football player and has also made his mark as an actor and social activist. He is best known for his record-setting nine-year career as a running back in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, Sporting News named him the greatest professional football player ever, and he is widely considered to be one of the most exceptional professional athletes the US has ever produced.
NFL Running Back
Brown’s 1,863 rushing yards in the 1963 season remain a Cleveland franchise record. It is currently the oldest franchise record for rushing yards out of all 32 NFL teams. While others have compiled more prodigious statistics, when viewing Brown’s standing in the game his style of running must be considered along with statistical measures. He was very difficult to tackle, often requiring more than one person to bring him down.
Records
Brown retired far ahead of the second-leading rusher and remains the league’s eighth all-time leading rusher, and is still the Cleveland Browns all-time leading rusher. No man has ever averaged over 100 yards per game in his career like Brown did.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Brown’s memorable professional career led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, while the The Sporting News selected him as the greatest football player of all time. Brown’s football talents at Syracuse garnered him a berth in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brown also earned a spot in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame, giving him a rare triple crown of sorts as well as being one of the few athletes to be a Hall of Fame member in more than one sport.
Media
Brown’s impact has expanded far beyond the football field. His film career spans from 1964 to today. He has been an analyst for CBS Sports and was a commentator for the first six events in Ultimate Fighting Championship history. The respect he generated as a sporting star has allowed him to be an outspoken public figure and mentor to many.
Amer-I-Can Program
In 1988, Brown founded the Amer-I-Can Program, a life management skills organization. The program helps individuals meet their academic potential, to conform their behavior to acceptable society standards, and to improve the quality of their lives by equipping them with the critical life management skills to confidently and successfully contribute to society.
