Jim Brown, an American football player, actor, and civil rights leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 87. Michael Douglas paid a moving homage to him.
Michael shared a touching statement on social media with a picture of the deceased former NFL player, expressing his condolences along with those of his family.
He wrote, “I am profoundly grieved to hear of Jim Brown’s loss. One of the all-time great NFL players, a real legend, and a leader both on and off the field. Our family is sending the Brown family our thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Godspeed, #JimBrown.”
Michael received a deluge of messages from his followers expressing their sorrow at the news. Michael and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones have two children together. One person remarked, “It hurts to see legends pass from us,” and another person added, “May he rest in peace.”
On Thursday night, the Pro Football Hall of Famer passed away quietly in his Los Angeles home. The news was confirmed on Instagram by his wife, Monique Brown. She wrote, “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown,” next to an image of her kissing Jim.
“At our LA home, he died peacefully the night before. He was a famous football player, actor, and campaigner in the world. He was a devoted, admirable husband, father, and grandfather to our family. Our souls are torn apart.”
He was referred to as a “legend, leader, activist, and visionary” by the Cleveland Browns on Twitter. A statue of him was placed outside the stadium in 2016 while he was a member of the squad from 1957 to 1965.
In addition to playing football, he was also regarded as one of the best lacrosse players in the world, which led to his 1984 induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He had a distinguished athletic career. In 1966, Jim unexpectedly retired at the age of 30 and turned to acting.
Jim made appearances in more than 30 movies, including The Dirty Dozen and Any Given Sunday by Oliver Stone.
Jim was also among the most outspoken professional black athletes during the civil rights struggle in the 1950s.
Monique and their family are extending our condolences on behalf of the entire NFL family, according to a statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Jim Brown was a talented athlete who was among the most dominant players to ever foot onto a sports field. He was also a cultural icon who worked to advance change.
“Throughout his nine-year NFL career, which spanned the civil rights movement in this country, he established himself as a pioneer and inspiration for sportsmen who participate in social activities outside of their profession. He motivated other athletes to improve the world, especially their local communities.
