Jim Brown through the years

Jim Brown won his only NFL championship with the Cleveland Browns in 1964. Plain Dealer file photo

In his final season at Syracuse, running back Jim Brown rushed for 986 yards and 13 TDs. Syracuse University file photo

Syracuse University basketball players from 1955. Players are, kneeling from left are Jim Brown, James Snyder, Gary Clark, Vince Cohen. The players standing are from left, Gus Castellini, Lou Cegala, and Ron Gillespie. Photo from The Post-Standard archive

Cleveland Brown fullback Jim Brown, it seems, doesn't forget his old friends in Syracuse. The former Orange star returned to the city this week to take delivery of his new Pontiac from Bill Rapp, owner of Rapp Pontiac, 573 East Genesee Street. Says Jim: "I thought that now is the time to trade while the live better by far in a brand new car program was in full swing." He traveled all the way from "Cleveland, Ohio, to make the trade. - NFL MVP Jim Brown picks up a new Pontiac Bonneville from Bill Rapp's Syracuse Pontiac dealership in April 1959.

The Browns of Cleveland are not excited over the former Orange grid star's great day against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jim Brown cruised along for 237 yards gained to tie his old single game NFL mark set in 1957. Seated and holding 3 week-old Jim Jr., is wife, Sue. Has Kim, nearly 2, on lap, while twin, Kevin, wonders what it's all about.

PDHST PLAIN DEALER HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION: CLEVELAND BROWNS Jim Brown holds up a copy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer from November 25, 1957. NOTES FROM GAME STORY: Brown Sets Mark , Rips Rams, 45-31 Jim Runs 237, Scores 4 TDs November 24, 1957 Browns 45, Los Angeles Rams 31 Cleveland Municipal Stadium Jim Brown took personal charge of the Browns' offense yesterday at the Stadium. Before an amazed crowd of 65,407, largest turnout here since 1953, the rookie fullback from Syracuse gave a tremendous exhibition of running. Brown scored four touchdowns, one on a 69-yard jaunt, and accumulated 237 yards for a new National League record as the surprising Browns smashed the Los Angeles Rams, 45-31, to remain on top in the Eastern Division.

1963 against the Washington Redskins. Quarterback Frank Ryan smiles as No. 71 of the Redskins is about to get stiff-armed. Play resulted in first down. Malcolm W. Emmons. Jim Brown - Emmons vs. Washignton, 13 - Frank Ryan.

Jim Brown versus the Baltimore Colts in 1962.

From left, recipients of the 1996 Syracuse Walk of Stars award, Robert L. Stanton, accepting for his grand cousin, L. Frank Baum, Joanna Cassidy, and Jim Brown.

Jim Brown with the Cleveland Browns.

Actor Jim Brown in "Slaughter's Big Rip-Off" Movie

Jim Brown at the Syracuse University sports roundtable discussion at the Manley Field House in 1992.

Former Syracuse University Football Player Jim Brown talking to SU students and minority alumnae in the Schine Student Center, Syracuse University, on gangs in Los Angeles that he has worked with. Photo was taken in 1992.

Jim Brown holds a press conference on the subject of women and rape near Chancellor Melvin Eggers house in 1989.

Lynne Woehrle, grad student at Syracuse University, social sciences, former Syracuse University Orangemen Jim Brown, right, Mark Lance, a philosophy professor at Syracuse University talk to the press in 1992 about rape.

Jim Brown (l) goes over production notes with Spike Lee in Syracuse, N.Y. Lee was filming a documentary for HBO on the legendary NFL running back.

041601 JimBrown 1 JR CITY 2001 Photo by Jamie Rose contributing 4/16/01 Jim Brown, former SU graduate/Cleveland Brown/greatest running back in the history of football, watches spring training with SU head football coach Paul Pasqualoni. Spike Lee is doing a documentary on the life of Jim Brown for HBO that brought he and Brown and a crew of filmmakers to Syracuse for the movie.

Filmmaker Spike Lee, left and football legend Jim Brown, right, chuckle during a press conference at Syracuse University in 2002 before the presentation of Lee's documentary of Brown's life entitled "JIm Brown; All-American." Brown played football and lacrosse at SU.

After waiting Diane Scimone of Syracuse gets the hug of her life by idol Jim Brown during a reception for the 1996 Syracuse Walk of Stars at the Landmark Theatre tonight. Said Diane, "I love him. I love his football, I love his movies, I am his number one fan!"

Football legend Jim Brown talks with a group of boys on Warren St. in Syracuse in 2002. Brown and renowned filmmaker Spike Lee addressed a group of local community leaders and youth about the prospect of bringing a program that works with ex-convicts to Syracuse. Brown and Lee are in town for the presentation of Lee's film "Jim Brown;All-American."

Syracuse football legends Floyd Little and Jim Brown were honored after the first quarter of the Syracuse Clemson Game at the Carrier Dome, Nov. 14, 2015. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Marie Fleming, mother of Ernie Davis, stands with Jim Brown, Floyd Little, Rob Konrad and Michael Owens during a 2005 retirement ceremony of the jersey number 44 at the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse football great Jim Brown at The Plaza 44 dedication next to the Ensley Athletic Center on November 14th 2015. Statues of Syracuse football greats Ernie Davis, Jim Brown, Floyd Little and legendary coach Ben Schwartzwalder were unveiled in 2015. Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com <mailto:scannerelli@syracuse.comfbp>

Syracuse football great Jim Brown attends the Plaza 44 dedication next to the Ensley Athletic Center on November 14th 2015. Statues of Syracuse football greats Ernie Davis, Jim Brown, Floyd Little and legendary coach Ben Schwartzwalder were unveiled. Stephen D. Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com <mailto:scannerelli@syracuse.comfbp>

This is the statue of Jim Brown installed on the courtyard of the Clifford J. Ensley Athletic Center, Syracuse University. Brown, not only played football for Syracuse, he also excelled in lacrosse, basketball and track. Ellen M. Blalock | eblalock@syracuse.com

This is the statue courtyard of football super stars at the Clifford J. Ensley Athletic Center, Syracuse University. The statues are of, Jim Brown (from left), Ernie Davis, Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder, and Floyd Little. Ellen M. Blalock | eblalock@syracuse.com