For the next five weeks, The Juice Online will be counting down the top 5 running backs in Syracuse history. Jim Brown is No. 2 on our list.
WHY HE’S NO. 2: When thinking about SU football, Jim Brown is always one of the first names that comes to mind. In 1956, Brown averaged 6.2 yards per carry and set records for most touchdowns and most points in one game. The record-breaking game was against Colgate when Brown scored six touchdowns and accounted for 43 points in a game SU won 61-7. In his three years on the field at SU, Brown rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also played on defense, tallying eight interceptions in his three seasons. As a senior, he was a unanimous First-Team All-American, and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.
But Brown was more than just a gifted football player. He also played basketball, track and lacrosse. In his sophomore year, he was the second leading scorer for the basketball team and also lettered in track and field. Perhaps his best sport was lacrosse, where he was a First-Team All-American in his senior year after finishing second in the country in scoring (43 goals).
» Related: Floyd Little is No. 3 on our countdown
AFTER SYRACUSE: Brown had an illustrious career with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. When he retired, he left as the NFL record holder for single-season rushing, (1,863 in 1963), career rushing (12,312), rushing touchdowns (106), total touchdowns (126) and all-purpose yards (15,549). He was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection, an eight-time rushing champion, a three time NFL MVP and won a Championship in 1964. He is now a member of the College and Professional Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. After retirement, Brown has been an actor, a color analyst, an author, and an Executive Advisor to the Browns.
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