Jim Brown Discusses Syracuse Football and the Modern Professional Athlete

By Kevin Ryans

SYRACUSE, N.Y — Syracuse Football great and Hall of Fame Running Back Jim Brown addressed the Syracuse Media Saturday morning, discussing professional athletes’ pushes for social change, the 2016 Syracuse Football team and his excitement to be on campus this weekend.

A four time NFL MVP, Brown is at Syracuse University this weekend to receive the 2016 Arents Award, the highest alumni honor given by the University for excellence in athletics and social activism.

Before the nine time Pro Bowler met with the media this morning, he sat down and spoke to the Syracuse Football team ahead of its game against South Florida this afternoon. Brown lectured the Orange players and answered questions for about twenty minutes. One of the topics discussed was about what it means to play for a team.

“A successful team will maximize all of their abilities and have an appreciation for those who aren’t stars, but contribute to the overall effectiveness of a team,” Brown said.

The Hall of Famer also took time to speak with new Syracuse Head Coach Dino Babers. Brown said that Babers made a very good impression on him

“I always look at the coach, and to be very honest with you, I was very impressed with him,” Brown said. “Now that doesn’t always turn into wins, but I think you chose a very fine person and a fine coach. He was willing express himself to me, and he’s willing to express himself to his players in a manner they can appreciate and benefit from.

When asked about professional athletes’ recent push for social change in the United States, Brown believes they have the right attitude.

“They have the ability to go beyond the feeling about being great players,” Brown said. “They can make a contribution to their community, this country and this society… and I’m very happy to see these young people step up.”

Brown’s next stop will be in Ohio, where he is being honored by the Cleveland Browns with the unveiling of a statue outside of FirstEnergy Stadium tomorrow before the Browns’ game against the Miami Dolphins.