Jim Brown: The Fierce Life of an American Hero – An Honest Portrait of the Athlete, Actor, and Symbol of Black Pride

by Mike Freeman

He intimidated people on and off the football field. He was brutal yet brilliant, narcissistic yet magnanimous, relentless yet unyielding. Most of all, he was the greatest football player of all time. He was Jim Brown.

Jim Brown was an astonishing physical specimen with tremendous skills and intelligence. An athlete who played a number of sports at Syracuse University, he ultimately discovered that it was the violence of football that appealed to him most. The idea of physically dominating other men, surviving ferocious battles on the field against opponents who would just as soon call him a nigger as try to gouge out his eyes fueled an astonishing, record-making NFL career that led to the Hall of Fame. He battled his defenses, sometimes his teammates, and often the Cleveland Browns' legendary head coach Paul Brown.

But Jim Brown had ambitions greater than football. He used his athletic brilliance to launch a movie career, becoming Hollywood's first black action hero, culminating in a scandalous love scene with America's sweetheart Raquel Welch. He leveraged his popularity into helping the NFL's black players and becoming a civil rights activist. Never shy about expressing his opinions, Brown would become the subject of FBI investigations and surveillance throughout parts of his life.

Then there were the women. The patient wife who was essentially a single mother and who endured public humiliation. The girlfriends he ran through and the scandalous accusations of violence made by some of them.

A complex and fascinating story, Jim Brown is a towering biography of a living legend.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Football, Nonfiction, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

Mike Freeman is an NFL Insider for CBSSports.com. Before that, he was an NFL writer, investigative reporter, and columnist for the New York Times; a columnist for the Florida Times-Union; and a sports reporter, features writer, and investigative writer for the Washington Post, Boston Globe, and Dallas Morning News.

Reviews

[John Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suppose this serves as a supplement to Brown's autobiography, so rated as such. Just not much to it.

[Lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the summer 2019 pick for Bomani Jones’ podcast’s book club and I devoured it in just a couple of days. I didn’t know anything about Jim
Brown before reading this and the early chapters in particular about Jim’s move from Georgia to Long Island as a small child were particularly interesting.

[Tom Gase · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read this book a few years before I was on goodreads when it came out in 2006, but I wanted to reread it since Jim Brown just died. I gave it three stars because only half of the book seems to be about his career in football, and I was hoping for a little more in that department. I know he retired early in his career, but would have liked to have read more about the year he helped lead the Browns to the championship. I understand a good portion of the book has to be about his life off the field and I did appreciate that in the book, especially the research. But it's hard to like a biography where the main person is just...so flawed. As good as he was on the football field, and he might have been the best ever, he was the exact opposite off the field. He was not good with woman at all. I know a lot are accusations, but the case especially with the woman lying below the balcony is just...mysterious. Who throws themself off a balcony? It's a tough story to believe in that he didn't hit her, especially when Brown even admits to having an anger problem and treating woman like objects. He's also a terrible father, although the last two pages of the book says he was changing that around. I hope he did in the last 17 years of his life. Still, I'm glad I reread the book by the very talented author Mike Freeman so I could be more educated on Brown in the weeks where people are sure to be discussing him a ton.

[Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book hard to put a score on it. I grew up with Brown the football and lacrosse player, movie star and activist. Followed the headlines over the years. He was a great football player, lacrosse player, fair movie actor and did some very good things for the poor but he also treated women terribly and was very condescending to many until he needed them. As hard as Freeman tried he could not separate or bring the two Brown's together into a unified biography. Too much of the material is repeated from Brown's books and articles. More was needed from the few friends who were quoted. Many of the principle people involved only had a rehash of their views in articles or court proceedings.
The author had a style of introducing someone in a scene and then a few pages later tell who this person was. Lots of material was repeated.If you do not know who Jim Brown was then read the book. If you have followed his career you have already read this book.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really hard read for me. It made me think, and I have praised books for doing so in the past, but this was a conundrum I did not enjoy noodling on. As a society, and personally, we (I) have looked passed a multitude of indiscretions when praising those who have done great good. Perhaps that is what we could do for Mr. Brown, I just do not feel that a person of my background has any right to give judgement of any weight to a story set in time, place and circumstance so different from my own. So I'll just say the book and the subject disturbed me, and leave it at that.

[Dei Mur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mae'n bwysig cofio Jim Brown fel y rhedwr cryf ydoedd. Y Juggernaut oedd bron yn amhosib i'w stopio. Torrodd record ffigyrau rhedeg yr NFL, torrodd drwynau, torrodd y gyfraith hefyd. Gwnaeth waith da i helpu'r tlodion yn ogystal a brydro'n erbyn hiliaeth. Mae'r llyfr yma'n un teg.

It's important that Jim Brown gets remembered as the record breaking running back that he was. Too much media negativity surrounded him, deserved or not is not for me to judge. Remember him as a philanthropist and a civil rights activist first. I believe this book is a balanced account.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was constantly leaving me feeling conflicted. I was constantly struggling between is Brown amazing or kind of a egotistical tyrant. The book encompasses Brown’s life before during and after football. He helped break the colour barrier in college, NFL and film. He did an incredible amount on the humanitarian side as well. The book also details the legal incidents that Brown also was engaged in. I felt conflicted to determine how to gage Brown. This book was well written and makes me want to read Browns autobiography’s for more insights from Brown himself.

[Christopher DuMont · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read on a complicated man. The author does a great job right up front challenging the idea of calling Jim Brown a "hero" with all the transgressions in his life, and yet is able to define the overall impact he has had on so many people in a positive way. I learned so much about Jim Brown - a fascinating character of a past generation and only wish I could have seen him play.

[Marcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid book

Came into this book thinking I knew enough about Jim Brown. After reading this book i got a good understanding of who he is the peaks and valleys. The greatness of him and the ugliness that makes Jim Brown

[Terrence Bizor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very complicated part of the sports history. On one hand one of the best running backs of all time, trailblazer in black film, and humanitarian. On the other hand terrible person towards women and not necessarily the most moral person at times. Seems to be a fair depiction of him.

[Griffin Honthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to learn about one of the leagues best. From his personal life to his athletic achievements to his controversies, this was a good read. I didn’t know a ton about Jim Brown and was shocked to learn about stuff he went through. Liked this book

[Don Robbins]

Most interesting..

[Mike Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Freeman managing the tension that “It is possible for Brown or any other person to be both heroic and flawed.”

[Anup Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a semi-authorized biography of Jim Brown and that should be kept in mind. It was well-written and researched and I certainly enjoyed it. Jim Brown is one of the transformative athletes of our generation but also one who is/was very troubled.

Freeman does well to lay down the facts but he makes a lot of excuses for Jim Brown and I think he had to kowtow to him to get his help. He makes valid points but some of them are hard to swallow, like his insistence on Jim Brown's great intellect, at one point claiming he was the greatest combination of brains and athleticism to ever attend an American college. He may be a little more intellectual than the average NFL player, but to compare him to real intellectuals is a gargantuan stretch! But it is his opinion.

I believe that where there's smoke there's fire. For every time Jim Brown was caught doing something (like domestic abuse), there are surely many other incidents that he slid by without getting caught. But he pushes that these are exceptions and that he didn't get away on technicalities but because he was innocent every time. Okay. :)

Anyway, it isn't nearly as crude as Jim Brown's autobiography and, like I said, goes overboard at times on the praise. Freeman presents but dismisses some serious flaws. He does well to talk about Brown's work with gangs and misguided youth, which is remarkable and a noteworthy positive on his legacy. It's too bad he was such a self-absorbed and horrible person to so many others.

Overall, enjoyed reading it but it is not impartial and you should keep that in mind. It is not nearly as worshipful and propagandish as Spike Lee's documentary on Brown, thankfully, and it is worth a read. (Spike Lee's is a joke!)

[Hezekiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sport icons are some of the most respected individuals in our country. From Olympians who return after winning the gold medal to a gridiron hero who overcame all challenges, we love stories of perseverance and determination. Jim Brown is a man who athletic career in the NFL mirrors that of a hero. He dominated every sport he has ever put his mind to but he excelled at playing football. He was blessed with a Greek goddess body and unparalleled speed to dominate the game in ways that was not seen previously before. From high school to college, he was highly sought out by recruiters who saw the greatness in him from an early age. throughout his life, he was routinely discriminated against by coaches and fellow players based on his skin color. Due to this and his parents crumbling relationship, he developed a cold hardness that few people was able to penetrate in his life. He played the game hard and furious leaving it all on the field earning him numerous accolades. His on the field playing style was highly respected but he left a lot to be desired in his personal life. between the numerous claims of domestic violence against women and incidents, people began to look at him completely differently. He was also an outspoken man against injustice and racism during the 1960s and 70s. Given the climate of the USA, he was definitely ostracized and criticized. He even did time in jail for criminal mischief but over time, he gained recognition and fame but possibly at a huge personal cost of his lifestyle. While he is a great player in NFL lore, he left a lot to be desired as a regular man advocating for the lower class of minorities in America especially his kids. This book will definitely illuminate his life and his flaws equally but the reader will admire his tenacity.

[Brandon Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Brown
Jim brown was one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL and was one of the greatest athletes of all time. I chose this book because it tells about the amazing story of one of the greatest running backs to play in the NFL. The story of Jim Brown is inspiring and motivating.

Jim Brown grew up fatherless and spent his childhood with just his mother. He's always been the strongest amongst his fiends. "He was a violent player"(72) the quote in the book relates to his toughness on the field. In the book it tells that he was the type of player to make his opponents who tried to tackle him hurt. In the story it says that Jim Brown would never run out of bounds because he said it was like "chickening out"(54). The story shows all of his glories and his victories but also his darker times. Through his stellar career Jim Brown would often be accused of assault, rape, and other crimes against women. As physical as Jim was on the field he was as physical off the field. Although many cases were brought up most were acquitted or pushed away. Despite his off the field actions Jim Brown is a football legend as he is one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game.

This book was amazing, I love the history of football and its players so I can be like them. This book motivated me and I recommend it to any one who wants to read about a great player who dominated the game.

[Imran Razack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Brown: The Fierce Life of an American Hero
By: Mike Freeman
Jim Brown’s biography by Freeman is an interesting look into the personal life of one of the NFL’s first great heroes. Jim Brown was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Off the field, he was troubled, often getting into trouble. He was a troubled man, having a long history of violence. On the surface he was a hero, behind close doors, he was dangerous. The book focuses on giving you the whole picture of Hall of Famer, Jim Brown.
At one point in the back half of the book the author writes, “Why a man of such remarkable intelligence and vision could be so shortsighted in other aspects of his life has always been a great conundrum that no one has been able to properly decipher or adequately explain.” While the author is very complimentary of Jim Brown, maybe his vision of Brown is misplaced. When reading the book, I couldn’t help but feel torn. Jim Brown may just be a bad guy, although he is celebrated, may he should not be.
The book really focused on the identity of Jim Brown. It focuses on his legend by giving you a picture of the whole person. By the end of the book, you will have enough information to decide, is Jim Brown a hero or a villain. Only by reading the book, cover to cover, will you be able to decide.

[Frank Taranto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jim Brown has always fascinated me. I knew he is considered the greatest running back in NFL history, but this biography doesn't concentrate on that fact. It presents a good hard, but fair, look at the man and his times.
Jim Brown went to Syracuse University where he starred in football and lacrosse. He was more accepted by the lacroose coahes than he was by the football coaches. Their racism almost made him quit, but he was convinced to stay on.
He went on to play football with the Cleveland Browns, where he quietly feuded with his coach, Paul Brown. While playing great football for the Browns, he also was a leader in getting fairer treatment for the black players on the team.
He went on to star in movies, and was the first African-American male action star. He also played the first interracial love scene with Racquel Welch. There was a huge furor over that.
He has spent a good deal of his life trying to help African-Americans help themselves.
His weakness was always women, and he seems to have had a hard time controlling his temper with them.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject is an undeniably complex and fascinating persona, and the book is an easy read and remains pretty compelling. However, since Brown wanted NOTHING to do with the book, there is precious little info from his point of view on his films and whatever he had to say about his sporting career or his various other endeavors has had to be lifted from other sources. Still, the same could be said about practically any biogrpahy subject if the person refuses to take part or is dead and there are interviews with others close to him that help fill in a lot. Another minor debit is the tendency to gloss over certain periods or get repetitive with others and generally get the time line a little out of whack. It certainly serves as a good introduction to the man while highlighting his still under-heralded achievements in sports while not ignoring his less admirable traits.

[Maxo Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Brown is a man first and foremost. The book takes you through a tumultuous childhood, estrangement from his father, a slew of whirlwind romances, and finally redemption. Jim Brown gets my respect because when he achieved a level of status he could've easily just enjoyed what he worked to attain but he did just the opposite. Jim Brown used his position to speak on social issues and most importantly go into those communities that would heed his call and lift up the least amongst us. Jim Brown is an icon and proof of the fact that a life spent in service to people is one best lived.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike Freeman tells the unique story of Brown's life well, from his rough early life to his football career to his acting career to his role in the black community to his bumpy history with women. I never knew so much about Jim Brown. That said, I don't agree with some things Freeman wrote, particularly about how Paul Brown is portrayed and of Jim Brown's domestic violence and lack of closeness with his family. An enigmatic read about an enigmatic man.

[Bo Manuszak · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book about one of the best football players of all time. It talked about how he fought through discrimination and hate. He had a few run-ins with the force but was proven innocent in court. The book also explained his succesful acting career. He is a great man and changed many livess through 2 organizations that he started. The Black Economic Union funded immigrants in their businesses. The
Amer-I-Can Organization helped gang leaders and jail inmates get their life back.

[Jake Keyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well balanced account of the complicated life of Jim Brown. A lot of insight into some of the complicated relationships he had. The only complaint is that I would have liked to have had heard more about events on the field.

[Javatis Midget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really understood Jim's life. A very powerful and influential man.

[Kellye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book...a little to focused on Politics

[Kagan Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like biographies, escpecially about athletes, this is a must read. It highlights not only Jim Brown's life but also his impact on the game of football.

[Keland · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites

[Luke Granholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, depicted how much of a womanizer he was but also shared what he did to stop racial discrimination in football.

[Tony Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man's man. They don't come like Mr. Brown anymore.