"Greatest athlete to wear orange": Remembering Jim Brown, an NFL and Syracuse legend

Jim Brown is widely regarded as one of, if not, the greatest football players of all time. His accomplished career landed him in both the Pro and College Football Hall of Fame.

Brown is the only player in NFL history to average more than 100 rushing yards per game for his career, as his 104.3 rushing yards per game remain an NFL record.

He was named a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in each of his nine seasons, leading the league in rushing yards in eight seasons and rushing touchdowns in five. Brown won three NFL MVP awards, including in both his first and last season. He remains the only player to accomplish either feat. Brown also led the Cleveland Browns to an NFL championship in 1964.

The Hall of Famer retired in the midst of his prime after he was threatened with fines for missing training camp while filming a movie. He ended his career with 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns on 2,359 carries. Brown added 262 receptions for 2,499 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.

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Prior to his illustrious NFL career, Brown starred for the Syracuse Orange at the collegiate level. While he was voted the greatest college football player of all time, it is often forgotten that he was a multi-sport star in college.

There's a reason why Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud called Jim Brown the "greatest athlete to wear orange."

What sports did Jim Brown play in college?

While football was the sport that made Jim Brown a household name, it was far from his only sport. In fact, it may not have even been his best sport. Brown played basketball, and lacrosse, while also running track for the Syracuse Orange. This was after starring in baseball in high school.

Brown played two years of college basketball, averaging 13.1 points per game for his career. He finished second on the team in scoring as a sophomore, averaging 15.0 points per game. Brown also ran track, finishing fifth in the National Championship decathlon.

Lacrosse may have been his best sport, however, as he was a two-time All-American. As a senior, he was a first-team All-American after finishing second in the nation in goals. His performance led to rules changes in the sport.

Jim Brown's college football career

Jim Brown was the only African American player on the Syracuse Orange. After redshirting his true freshman season, in which coaches tried to move him to different positions, Brown ran for 439 yards on 75 carries in 1954, playing all eight games. He added one reception for 20 yards. There are no records of how many touchdowns the Orange scored that season.

Brown finished his junior season with 666 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 128 carries. He caught five passes for 44 yards and one touchdown. Brown was named a third-team All-American.

The following season, he averaged over 100 rushing yards per game. Brown ran for 986 yards and 13 touchdowns on 158 carries while adding five receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown.