Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown has become increasingly visible in recent years with the team with which he shares a name.
But Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said that perhaps the best football player in franchise history will be taking on an even larger role in the future.
“Jim has been re-involved in the franchise over the last three years, but with Hue [Jackson] coming in, Jim will be even more significantly involved,’' Haslam said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “Jim’s knowledge not just of football, but Dee and I have seen it over the last two or three years, his knowledge of people is something that will help the franchise significantly.
“You have to have a coach who’s secure enough to have an NFL legend around and feel good about it. We have that in Hue Jackson. Jim and Hue have formed a good, close bond. Jim will be around much more and in a much more significant way helping our players be not just better players but better men.”
Brown, who hasn’t always been made to feel welcome around the organization, said he was eager for the chance to help. He’s already spoken with suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon (who he thinks is on the right track), and said hiring Jackson as coach was a big step.
“Hue has brought a healing to the team in a lot of ways,’' Brown said. “I am honored to be a part of it.’'
For his part, Jackson said he’s grateful to have access to Brown as a sounding board, and hopes to use his status as a way to help a young team.
“I want our guys to connect the right way and truly understand that there were a lot of men before them who have played the game here, who loved playing the game here, who won here, so it’s not a question if it can be done, we just have to do the hard work in order to have it be done,’' Jackson said.
Brown has put in the time, and has the kind of gravity the Browns so desperately need. Not tapping into such a resource would be a waste.