Jimmy Brown

ClassificationsPhotographs-gelatin silver prints

DateJuly 1965

Place DepictedHiram, Ohio, United States, North America

MediumGelatin silver print on ektalure paper

Dimensions20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)

Object number87.6.20

DescriptionThis photograph of Cleveland Browns football star Jim Brown was taken by photographer Leigh A. Wiener during practice at a training camp in Hiram, Ohio, and was used as an advertisement by ABC. Brown had won an NFL Championship with the Browns the previous year, and the upcoming 1965 season would be his last in the NFL, after which he would become a full-time actor.

Wiener recalls the day the photo was taken:
"On a beautiful, cloud filled day in Hiram, Ohio, football practice for the Cleveland Browns was drawing to an end.

As the legendary Jimmy Brown headed for the locker room, he was besieged by fans wanting an autograph, or maybe just to touch him.

To emphasize his power, I got on my back and using a 20mm lens, began taking pictures as Brown started signing and talking with his admirers.

Suddenly he looked down at me. 'What would you do if I decided to step right on you and your camera?' he asked. Before I could answer, a few kids next to Brown yelled, 'Do it! Do it!' The Cleveland running star looked down and laughed, 'Hell, I couldn't do that. I'm a gentle man." Jimmy Brown went back to signing autographs."

On View

Not on view