The Greatest Comeback Ever
The greatest running back in NFL history, Jim Brown dominated the league from 1957 to 1965 and remains a legend on and off the field.
James Nathaniel Brown (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023) was an American professional football player, civil rights activist, and actor. He played as a fullback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) from 1957 to 1965.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Opponent
- New York Jets
- Deficit overcome
- 10 points
- Final score
- Cleveland Browns 23, New York Jets 20 (2OT)
- Key figure
- Bernie Kosar
Lore & Background
Widely considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, Brown was selected to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro team every season he was in the league, and was recognized as the AP NFL Most Valuable Player three times. He won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964. He led the league in rushing yards in eight out of his nine seasons, and by the time he retired, he held most major rushing records. In 1999, he was named the greatest professional football player ever by The Sporting News and the Associated Press.
Reader's Guide
Brown carried the ball 2,359 times for 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns, which were all records when he retired. He averaged 104.3 rushing yards per game and is the only player in NFL history to average over 100 rushing yards per game for his career. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. He was named to the NFL's 50th, 75th, and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. His number 32 jersey is retired by the Browns.
Did You Know?
- Brown earned unanimous All-America honors playing college football at Syracuse University, where he also excelled in lacrosse, basketball, and track and field.
- Brown was one of the few athletes to speak out on racial issues as the civil rights movement grew in the 1950s, and he founded the Black Economic Union.
- He was honored at the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship as the greatest college football player of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big was the deficit the Browns overcame?
The team erased a staggering 24-point hole after trailing by that margin at halftime with a score of 31-7. They managed to rally and secure victory despite the significant disadvantage early in the game.
What was the final outcome of this historic match?
Cleveland defeated Cincinnati with a thrilling final score of 38-36. The Browns' offense and defense combined to force multiple turnovers and score enough points to close out the win.
Who are considered key figures in this game's narrative?
Referee Milt Tausky is often cited alongside the collective efforts of the Browns' offensive and defensive units. No single player defined the performance, making it a true team achievement.
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