photo by steed media service

Retired Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown has worn many hats throughout his illustrious career. An accomplished actor and social activist, Brown has always sought to connect with young people across the country that have yet to realize their true potential. In fact, as president of The Amer-I-Can Program, Brown empowers youth and continues to keep an ear to the street in hopes of nipping societal woes in the bud.

"Since 1988, we've been working with street gangs and changing lives and saving lives every day. Some of these men are killers. They've been to jail, they have no fathers and they have no understanding of the outside world, so [helping them] has been my No. 1 goal since the '70s," says Brown. "I'm very happy to say that a lot of these young men and women have changed their lives and are changing the lives of others."

Both a mentor and stoic role model to the young black athletes in the NFL, Brown wants the players to enjoy their well deserved success; however, he also wants them to remember that they, too, share the responsibility of setting positive examples for those who look up to them.

"A lot of kids are dying every day and there are things that [the athletes] could do that they're not doing," he explains. "But until we [as fathers and elders] take advantage of the fact that we can educate and [help too], then how can we blame [younger athletes] for their ignorance?" - jason thompson


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