Jim Brown dead at 87: When and how long was the NFL great's stint as a UFC color commentator?

The sports community is filled with sadness as it mourns the passing of the legendary running back Jim Brown, who made an indelible mark in the history of the Cleveland Browns. Revered as one of the greatest football players of all time, Brown amassed numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career.

His leadership and remarkable skills propelled the Cleveland Browns to secure the coveted NFL title in 1964, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the team's success. Additionally, Brown's extraordinary talent earned him the prestigious distinction of being a three-time MVP, further cementing his place among the football elite.

After bidding farewell to professional football in 1965, Brown embarked on a new journey that extended beyond the realm of sports. He directed his energy and passion toward acting and championing civil rights causes. Notably, Jim Brown played an instrumental role in founding the Negro Industrial and Economic Union, an organization that later evolved into the Black Economic Union.

In a groundbreaking move, Jim Brown made history in 1993 by becoming the inaugural African-American UFC commentator. He embarked on this new role with great enthusiasm, sharing the commentary booth with esteemed colleagues Bill Wallace and Kathy Long at the promotion's very first pay-per-view event in Denver.

Brown's tenure as a UFC commentator extended beyond that initial event, as he lent his expertise and distinct voice to the commentary team for the first six UFC pay-per-view events. His contributions to the sport and his significant role as a trailblazer were recently honored by the UFC during Black History Month.

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Jim Brown's NFL career

Jim Brown was chosen by the Cleveland Browns as the sixth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career. Throughout his time in the league, Brown consistently showcased his exceptional talent and unmatched prowess as a running back. He left an indelible mark on the record books by leading the NFL in rushing yards an impressive eight times, carries on six occasions, and touchdowns on five occasions.

In his rookie season, Brown immediately turned heads with his remarkable performances. His skills and tenacity were recognized with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1958. During that memorable season, he shattered the NFL's single-season rushing record, amassing an astonishing 1,527 yards in just 12 games. Furthermore, Brown's dominance extended to the end zone, where he led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns, surpassing the second-place runner by a considerable margin.

The tides of fortune shifted for Cleveland in 1964, which was a truly remarkable year for the city's football team. Led by the exceptional performances of Jim Brown and quarterback Frank Ryan, the Cleveland Browns experienced a season of magic and triumph. Brown's extraordinary running abilities were on full display as he amassed an impressive total of 1,446 rushing yards. Complementing his efforts, Ryan showcased his passing skills by accumulating 2,404 yards and leading the league with 25 touchdowns.

The pinnacle of their success came in the NFL Championship Game against the Baltimore Colts, where the Cleveland Browns emerged victorious with an impressive 27-0 win. In this momentous game, Brown carried the ball 27 times, accumulating 114 yards on the ground.