Jim Brown, an all-time great NFL running back and social activist, has died. He was 87.

A spokeswoman for Brown’s family said he passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night with his wife, Monique, by his side, the Associated Press reported.

Brown rose to fame in the early days of pro football’s popularity being fueled by television.

He is widely considered one of the greatest players in football history and one of the game’s first superstars. Brown was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1965 and wrote his name all over the league’s record books in a short career that stretched from 1957-65.

Brown led the Cleveland Browns to their last NFL title in 1964 then retired in his prime after the ’65 season to become an actor. He appeared in more than 30 films, including “Any Given Sunday” and “The Dirty Dozen.”

The Cleveland Browns described Brown this way:

“Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary.

It’s impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim’s incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world.

Our hearts are with Jim’s family, loved ones, and all those he impacted along the way.”