Jim Brown on Muhammad Ali death: The world lost a great champion

Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown reacted to the passing of Muhammad Ali and fellow cultural and societal icon, Muhammad Ali.

If there was one athlete who could compare to the legend that Muhammad Ali had in his sport as well as in culture, society and philanthropy, it may be former Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown.

Ali and Brown were longtime friends, dating back to the time when Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and with the help and cooperation of Brown was able to explain his reasoning for not going overseas and fighting in a war he didn’t believe in.

In many ways, Ali spoke for a split nation that was opposed to the war. Now, that nation is unified in mourning the death of Ali, including Brown who shared his condolences on his Twitter account.

“The world has lost a great champion. Muhammad Ali, lover of human beings, a warrior for the fight against discrimination…a great friend.”

It’s always difficult to see legends  leave this world and head to the next plane of the universe. I like to think Ali is no longer suffering from the Parkinson’s disease that he fought so bravely and in the public eye since his diagnosis in 1984 and is happy and in a better place.

The world lost an icon, a hero and for those like Jim Brown who knew him personally, a friend.

For more coverage of the passing of Muhammad Ali, you can visit our boxing hub page.