Jim Brown

2004

Jim Brown, 2004. John Sobczak. Iris print on watercolor paper, inkjet printer; image: 16.6 x 19.1 cm (6 9/16 x 7 1/2 in.); paper: 33.1 x 26.6 cm (13 1/16 x 10 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 2007.204.3 Jim Brown, one of football’s greatest running backs, led the National Football League in rushing for eight of his nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Before he retired in 1965, Brown began acting in movies and television; his 50-year career included leading roles in the 1970s. Detroit-area photographer John Sobczak photographed the football legend as part of a portfolio of Cleveland Classics—people who made significant contributions to the cultural and sports history of the city. Spike Lee made a film about Jim Brown’s career and personal life in 2002.