The Cleveland Browns unveiled a statue of Browns legend Jim Brown prior to Sunday's home game between the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens.
The statue was commissioned by Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam "to honor the many on-field accomplishments of one of the most legendary athletes in sports history..." according to a Browns press release.
Brown retired at the peak of his career following the 1965 season to pursue an acting career. When he stepped away from the game at age 29, Brown was the leading rusher in league history with 12,312 yards.
The 80-year-old Brown called the honor "one of the greatest moments of my life."
A three-time MVP, Brown led the league in rushing in eight of his nine seasons and scoring five times.
The plaque on the statue reads:
Cleveland Browns Running Back 1957-1965
Jim Brown was the NFL leading rusher in 8 of the 9 seasons he played and set the NFL record for Highest Yards per Carry Average by a running back in a career (5.22). He also set the Cleveland Browns’ franchise records for Career Rushing Yards (12,312), Rushing Attempts (2,359) and Rushing Touchdowns (106). His No. 32 is retired. No Browns player has worn it since his final season.
Even LeBron James congratulated "...my good friend and The GOAT...."
A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on
