NFL legend Jim Brown dies aged 87

Jim Brown, the former NFL great and prominent activist during the American civil rights movement, has died at the age of 87.

Brown is remembered as one of the finest running backs of all time following nine seasons at the Cleveland Browns between 1957 and 1965, starring in their 1964 championship-winning campaign.

He was recognised as the league's most valuable player three times but ended his sporting career at the age of just 30 to pursue acting, while he was vocal on race struggles in America in the 1950s and 60s.

His wife Monique wrote in an Instagram post: "It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed peacefully last night at our LA home.

"To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken."

A statue of Brown, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, has been outside Cleveland's stadium for the last seven years while no other Browns player has worn his number 32 since he retired.

In a tweet, Cleveland branded their former player a "Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary", adding: "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."