This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft out of Syracuse University. He would go on to an historic, nine-year pro career and by the time he retired was the league's career leader in rushing touchdowns (106), career rushing yards (12,312) and single-season rushing yards (1,863). Note: For four of those nine years the NFL only played a 12-game schedule. Those marks have since been eclipsed, but by those playing 14-to-16 games per season. One record that hasn't fallen is that Brown remains the only player in NFL history to average more than 100 yards per game over an entire career. Fans of his generation still consider him the greatest running back in NFL history. Offered here is Brown’s 1964 signed Cleveland Browns Rider Contract, also signed by team owner Art Modell, and represents a splendid piece of history from a campaign in which Brown compiled 1,446 rushing yards on 280 carries to average 103.3 yards per carry. He added seven touchdowns on the ground and two more via pass receptions.
Measuring 8.5" wide by 13” long, the two-page, type-written white document is in very nice condition, with the usual horizontal folds. The two-page contract is stapled (three times) onto a piece of folded blue paper. Entitled "RIDER," its first sentence reads: "Rider to National Football League Standard Players Contract between CLEVELAND BROWNS, INC. and JAMES N. BROWN dated October 31, 1964 and relating to the 1965 season (the "CONTRACT")." The historic document has been signed on the middle right side of page 2 by Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell, directly above Brown's signature. Both signatures are in near perfect Blue ink "Art Modell" and "James N. Brown" signatures (9-10/10).
It states, in part: "The first paragraph of Section 3 of the Contract is hereby deleted in its entirety and in substitution therefor, the following is hereby inserted:
3. A. For the Player's services as a skilled football player during the term of his contract, and for agreement not to play football or engage in activities related to football for any other person, firm, corporation or institution during the term of this contract, and for the option hereinafter set forth giving the Club the right to renew this contract, and for the undertakings of the Player herein, the Club promises to pay the Player each football season during the term of his contract the sum of SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($65,000)."
Brown never missed a game due to injury and would lead the NFL in rushing for his first five years in a row and in eight of his nine seasons overall. After leading the Browns to an 11-3 record and the NFL Title Game in 1965, Brown retired at the age of 29 to enter the motion picture business.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.