Overview

James Nathaniel Brown (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023) was an American professional football player, civil rights activist, and actor. He played as a fullback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) from 1957 to 1965. Considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, as well as one of the greatest players in NFL history, Brown was selected to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro team every season he was in the league, and was recognized as the AP NFL Most Valuable Player three times. Brown won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964. After retiring from football, Brown pursued an acting career, landing roles in films like The Dirty Dozen, Ice Station Zebra, and Kenner.

What Is Jim Brown’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death on May 18, 2023, Jim Brown, the legendary American former professional football player and actor, had a net worth of $30 million. This substantial wealth was accumulated through a combination of a highly successful career in the National Football League (NFL) and a subsequent transition into acting, with real estate holdings also contributing.

Jim Brown’s Football Career Earnings and Achievements

Jim Brown’s primary source of wealth originated from his remarkable football career. Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 1957 NFL draft, Brown quickly established himself as a dominant force. In 1958, he set a single-season rushing record with 1,527 yards. As an NFL player, he led the league in rushing yards in all but one of his nine seasons. He averaged 5.2 yards per rush, a figure that remains among the highest in NFL history. While specific contract details from his playing days are not publicly available, it is known that his on-field performance made him one of the league’s highest-paid players during his tenure. In 1964, Brown was a key player in the Cleveland Browns’ NFL championship win, further solidifying his legacy and increasing his marketability. Jim Brown’s consistent record-breaking performances led to him becoming the first player to surpass 100 rushing touchdowns, marking a monumental milestone in NFL history. His achievements led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Jim Brown’s Transition into Acting: Roles, Salaries, and Box Office Success

Following his retirement from professional football, Jim Brown transitioned into acting, securing several leading roles in films throughout the 1970s. His acting career began with a role in the 1964 Western film “Rio Conchos.” Although this film received mixed reviews, it marked the beginning of his journey in Hollywood. In 1966, he appeared in “The Dirty Dozen,” portraying Robert Jefferson, a convict on a mission to assassinate German officers prior to D-Day. This film’s success significantly boosted Brown’s acting career. He reportedly earned $125,000 for his leading role in “The Split.” This film, along with “Riot,” established him as “Hollywood’s first black action star.” His other notable roles include appearances in “100 Rifles” (1969), “Kenner,” and “…tick…tick…tick…” As the 1970s progressed, Brown continued to secure leading roles in films like “The Grasshopper,” “El Condor,” “Slaughter,” “Black Gunn,” and “Three the Hard Way.” While the blaxploitation era waned after 1975, Jim Brown’s earlier successes secured his financial standing. Although detailed financial records for each film are not publicly available, it is evident that his consistent roles and box office success played a significant role in accumulating his wealth.

Jim Brown’s Real Estate Investments: Hollywood Hills Mansion and Miami Condo

In 1968, Jim Brown invested in a large mansion in the Hollywood Hills. While the exact purchase price is unknown, similar properties in the area currently range in value from $6 to $10 million. Additionally, Brown owned a condo in Miami. These real estate assets formed a portion of Jim Brown’s net worth, providing both a place to live and a potentially appreciating investment.

Jim Brown’s Personal Life and Relationships

Jim Brown’s personal life included two marriages. His first marriage was to Sue Brown in 1959, which ended in divorce in 1968. They had three children together. Later, in 1997, Jim married Monique Brown, and they had two children together. There were also legal issues, including an arrest for assault and battery and a paternity lawsuit. However, these events did not directly affect Jim Brown’s net worth.

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