Jim Brown Net Worth

What was Jim Brown's Net Worth?

Jim Brown, an American former professional football player and actor, had a net worth of $30 million at the time of his death. He enjoyed successful careers in both athletics and acting. Brown first gained fame as a professional fullback in the NFL, being widely recognized as one of the best running backs and players in NFL history. He won an NFL championship with the Cleveland Browns in 1964 and led the league in rushing yards in all but one season of his nine-season career. His remarkable average of 5.2 yards per rush remains the second-best in running back history. In 1971, Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Post-retirement, he pursued acting, securing several leading roles throughout the 70s. Jim Brown passed away on May 18, 2023, at the age of 87.

Early Life

Born James Nathaniel Brown on February 17, 1936, in St. Simons Island, Georgia, his father was a professional boxer. During his secondary school years, Brown excelled in football, lacrosse, baseball, basketball, and track & field. Notably, he showcased exceptional talent in basketball. Brown attended Syracuse University after high school, where he continued to play multiple sports, notably excelling in lacrosse, earning a first-team All-American title in the sport.

Playing Career

Despite his potential in various sports, Brown chose a career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1957 NFL draft and quickly demonstrated his prowess, rushing for 237 yards in a game against the LA Rams. In 1958, he broke the single-season rushing record with 1,527 yards and scored 17 touchdowns, outpacing his nearest competitor by nine touchdowns.

After nine formidable years with the Browns, Brown retired, having achieved numerous records, including career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and all-purpose yards. He became the first player to surpass 100 rushing touchdowns, a milestone that remains notable despite the extended season lengths in modern NFL. Brown retired at 29, younger than most players today, leaving behind a legacy of being incredibly difficult to tackle. One of his career highlights was winning the NFL championship in 1964.

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Acting Career

Brown ventured into acting while still in the NFL, debuting in the Western film "Rio Conchos" in 1964. Although the film received mixed reviews, he found success with his role in "The Dirty Dozen" in 1966, which led to his retirement from football. His portrayal of Robert Jefferson in this hit film opened more doors in Hollywood.

Brown followed up with roles in "Dark of the Sun," "Ice Station Zebra," and leading roles in movies like "The Split" and "Riot," earning a reputation as "Hollywood's first black action star." He starred in notable films like "100 Rifles," "Kenner," and "… tick … tick … tick …," securing his status during the blaxploitation era of Hollywood, which ended around 1975.

In later decades, acting opportunities became scarcer, though he appeared in "Fingers" in the late 70s. Throughout the 80s, Brown transitioned more to television, with roles in shows like "Knight Rider," "The A-Team," and "CHiPs." His film appearances included "The Running Man," "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," "Mars Attacks!", "Sucker Free City," and "Any Given Sunday."

Relationships

Jim Brown married Sue Brown in 1959, and the couple had three children before divorcing in 1968. He faced legal issues, including an arrest for assault and battery against an 18-year-old girl and a subsequent paternity lawsuit.

In 1997, Brown married Monique Brown, with whom he had two children.