Syracuse legend Jim Brown returns to campus

One of the greatest athletes in Syracuse history returned to campus this weekend.

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, who was an All-American at Syracuse in both football and lacrosse, was honored with the George Arents Award on Friday night in the Schine Student Center. The Arents Award is SU’s highest alumni honor and is presented annually to four individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their chosen field. Brown received his Arents Award for excellence in athletics and social activism.

On Saturday morning, prior to SU’s game against South Florida, Brown had an opportunity to meet with the current Orange coaching staff and players. He had high praise for first-year Syracuse head coach Dino Babers.

“I think they chose a really fine person and a fine coach,” Brown said. “He was willing to express himself to me and he was willing to express himself to his players in a manner that I think they can appreciate and benefit from… I’m very hyped about the possibility of Syracuse being a great team sometime in the future because I think those administrators have made a great choice in their coach.”

During his time with the current players, Brown said he discussed the mental and physical aspects of football and how the two work together.

“I talked to them about the fact that football is a team game and you have to appreciate each player that contributes what they’re supposed to, which might be minor compared to what the quarterback, or the wide receiver or running back [contributes],” Brown said. “A successful team maximizes all of their abilities and has an appreciation for those players that aren’t stars, but great contributors to the overall effectiveness of the team.”

Brown addressed the media at a press conference on Saturday afternoon. In the videos below he discusses how he liked to prepare for a game, and his thoughts on current athletes and Dino Babers.