There was a great mutual admiration between Jim Brown and LeBron James — probably the two greatest athletes in Cleveland history, and two men who worked hard to give back to the community. It was evident when LeBron gave a salutatory bow to Brown, sitting courtside, before an NBA Finals game in Cleveland.
Brown, arguably the greatest player in NFL history, died at 87.
LeBron posted a tribute to Brown — a man he grew up idolizing — upon the news.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CscDP1AyzHo/
“We lost a hero today. Rest in Paradise to the legend Jim Brown. I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives. We all stand on your shoulders Jim Brown.
“If you grew up in Northeast Ohio and were Black, Jim Brown was a God. As a kid who loved football, I really just thought of him as the greatest Cleveland Brown to ever play. Then I started my own journey as a professional athlete and realized what he did socially was his true greatness. When I choose to speak out, I always think about Jim Brown.
“I can only speak because Jim broke down those walls for me. I am so grateful that I was able to call you my friend. I hope I can continue to honor your legacy with my words and actions. My prayers to your family. I know they are all incredibly proud of everything you did for our community!”
