NFL legend Jim Brown dead at 87

Former Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown died Thursday evening at the age of 87.

His wife, Monique, confirmed his passing in an Instagram post, saying "[i]t is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed peacefully last night at our LA home."

"To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken," she continued.

Brown was a first-round draft pick in 1957 and played nine seasons for the team, leading the league in rushing for eight of them, ESPN reported. The Browns won the league title in 1964 while he was a member.

The Browns honored Brown in a statement, saying "[i]t’s impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim’s incredible life and legacy."

"We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world. Our hearts are with Jim’s family, loved ones, and all those he impacted along the way," they continued.

Brown later found success as an actor, appearing in film's such as 1967's World War II film "The Dirty Dozen."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.