Jimmy Brown-Best Player Ever-From Syracuse
Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2023 4:51 pm
Without question, Jimmy Brown was the greatest rusher in NFL history. Had he played longer than nine years, many of his records would still be standing. The rushing statistics speak for themselves but films almost scream. Jim Brown went at defensive players straight on, dragged them with him, and often broke loose for a long gain. After almost every carry, playing possum, Brown would struggle to get up and amble like a drunken sailor back to the huddle. From this performance unwary fans and opposing players would think he was totally spent. On the very next play, Jim Brown would carry the ball for big yardage.
Jim Brown led the league in rushing every year except 1962 and gained 1,000 yards every year except his first year 1957 and 1962. In the latter year he finished third in rushing behind Jim Taylor of Green Bay and John Henry Johnson of Pittsburgh. He would have gained 1,000 in 1962 but was a victim of his own effort and the coaches' play calling. In the final game at San Francisco he passed the 1,000 marks but then lost yardage on consecutive plays
For Brown's first five seasons, he had Bobby Mitchell with him in the backfield. Mitchell was a great runner and pass receiver in his own right and took pressure off Brown. After the 1961 season, the Browns traded Mitchell to Washington for Ernie Davis. The Redskins had just drafted Davis, who was a great runner and Heisman Trophy winner, also from Syracuse. Ernie Davis was the key player on the 1959 Syracuse team, the National Champions.
In the summer of 1962 Davis contracted leukemia, did not play in 1962, and died in May of 1963. This left the Browns with nothing to show for the deal. Ernie Green, who took Mitchell's place, complemented Jim Brown well. Aside from the personal tragedy, many wonder how great a Brown and Davis running duo would have been.
Rushing aside, Jim Brown was a great pass receiver catching 262 passes for 2,499 and 20 touchdowns. His top years for receiving were 46 passes in 1961 and 47 passes the following year. It is ridiculous to describe 1962 as an off year because Brown finished third in rushing; that season he was also the teams' leading receiver.
Finally in on the halfback option play, Brown completed four of 12 passes, three of them for touchdowns. At Syracuse University, Brown was the place kicker for field goals and extra points.
Some of his critics stated that Jim Brown did not block. I do have distinct memories of him blocking and faking given both Quarterbacks Milt Plum and Frank Ryan additional protection. Cleveland did have for most of his nine years the best offensive line in the league. Perhaps Jim Brown blocking more would have been redundant and risked injury.
Certainly Jim Brown had his off days. Fans must accept this since defenses were keying on him almost every play. To me, Jim Brown was still the greatest player in NFL history.
Jim Brown led the league in rushing every year except 1962 and gained 1,000 yards every year except his first year 1957 and 1962. In the latter year he finished third in rushing behind Jim Taylor of Green Bay and John Henry Johnson of Pittsburgh. He would have gained 1,000 in 1962 but was a victim of his own effort and the coaches' play calling. In the final game at San Francisco he passed the 1,000 marks but then lost yardage on consecutive plays
For Brown's first five seasons, he had Bobby Mitchell with him in the backfield. Mitchell was a great runner and pass receiver in his own right and took pressure off Brown. After the 1961 season, the Browns traded Mitchell to Washington for Ernie Davis. The Redskins had just drafted Davis, who was a great runner and Heisman Trophy winner, also from Syracuse. Ernie Davis was the key player on the 1959 Syracuse team, the National Champions.
In the summer of 1962 Davis contracted leukemia, did not play in 1962, and died in May of 1963. This left the Browns with nothing to show for the deal. Ernie Green, who took Mitchell's place, complemented Jim Brown well. Aside from the personal tragedy, many wonder how great a Brown and Davis running duo would have been.
Rushing aside, Jim Brown was a great pass receiver catching 262 passes for 2,499 and 20 touchdowns. His top years for receiving were 46 passes in 1961 and 47 passes the following year. It is ridiculous to describe 1962 as an off year because Brown finished third in rushing; that season he was also the teams' leading receiver.
Finally in on the halfback option play, Brown completed four of 12 passes, three of them for touchdowns. At Syracuse University, Brown was the place kicker for field goals and extra points.
Some of his critics stated that Jim Brown did not block. I do have distinct memories of him blocking and faking given both Quarterbacks Milt Plum and Frank Ryan additional protection. Cleveland did have for most of his nine years the best offensive line in the league. Perhaps Jim Brown blocking more would have been redundant and risked injury.
Certainly Jim Brown had his off days. Fans must accept this since defenses were keying on him almost every play. To me, Jim Brown was still the greatest player in NFL history.