Jim Brown on Barack Obama, Racism, Muhammad Ali, Hugh Hefner, Football, and Acting

The day after the presidential election, I sat down with Jim Brown for an NBC Sports television interview. Brown is not only the most accomplished football player ever to live, but he's also regarded by one biographer as the most socially significant athlete of the past century.

Upon retiring at 29-years-old, Brown already won a championship and Most Valuable Player Award in addition to holding records in every meaningful offensive category for a running back. He went to become a highly successful actor -- breaking numerous color barriers. In 1969, he filmed the first inter-racial love scene with Racquel Welch in 100 Rifles. He went on to launch the Black Economic Union which helped start over 400 black owned and operated businesses. Considered a political threat, he did all this while being spied on by the J. Edgar Hoover-run FBI. This is a man whose friends have included Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, Hugh Hefner, Jack Nicholson, Richard Pryor, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. To this day, Brown remains very active in his Amer-I-Can Foundation. At 72-years-old, Brown discussed a wide range of topics during a two-hour-and-thirty-minute interview, including what electing the first African American president means to him.

Here are highlights from the interview:

Brown on Barack Obama and the Presidential election:

Brown on racism:

Brown on Muhammad Ali:

Brown on Hugh Hefner:

Brown on his football career:

Brown on the NFL today:

Brown on his acting career:

Brown on activism and priorities:

Brown on his legacy:

Full Jim Brown interview:

Graham Bensinger is an NBC Sports Correspondent. His website is www.GrahamBensinger.com. Email Graham at: [e-mail].

Comments

[Jeffreygeez]

Jim Brown was ahead of his time. He was aproud young black man and had every right to be. He has channeled that pride with his intelligence and made something out of it and himself that is to be admired. His H.S. coach Ed Walsh knew a good man when he met one.

[Chachi]

Not to take anything away from Jim Brown - he was an amazing football player and an athlete of enormous significanct....

But, Muhammad Ali is by far the most socially significant athlete of the past century.

[cdbk]

Jim Brown lived a reportedly controversial life,it was during controversial times.The man that gave this interview is a man to be admired,a man who has escaped life's shackles and stands before the world with complete knowledge of himself and what is important in life.
It is a good thing he talks to kids,but I wish he would take the time to talk to athletes or that college and pro sports would make this interview required viewing,because their influence on the youth is enormous whether we like it or not.

[Oldbuck]

Jim Brown is a very intelligent man and makes a lot of senses he was truly a man before his time. One of the finest running back to ever play football but was a accomplished actor and a man of men.

[pbley68]

He played a good part in the 1967 classic film The Dirty Dozen, and in the 1968 film The Dark of the Sun, with Rod Taylor.

[Froggerorangebeast]

Jim Brown = THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN HISTORY!!!

[greguva]

Perhaps the greatest athlete in history. Considered by many to be the greatest football player ever. Also considered by many to be the greatest lacrosse player ever. In the Halls of Fame for both sports.

[Fongenie]

Mr. Man, Jim Brown. Gotta love that brotha.

[KitChandler]

Thanks Jim, for your attention to the downtrodden and contributions to the disadvantaged. It would be nice if today's athletes who are making millions upon millions followed your lead.

We see and hear so much about their beautiful homes and fast cars but not much about anything else.

There are a few in the mold of Jim Brown but not nearly enough.

[BrownEyedGurl]

Jim Brown has always been an incredible human being. I don't agree with everything he has said during his years after football, but he hit the nail right on it's head with his eloquent comments about the Presidential race. BRAVO, Mr. Brown. BRAVO!

[amantell]

Jim Brown was, is, and will be the Man.