Still the only NFL running back to average 100 yards per game for an entire career, Jim Brown was truly in a class of his own. A star at Syracuse University, a bruising NFL back, and a later career as an actor have turned Jim Brown from a star into a legend, and one of the few football players from decades past whose name is still brought up in conversation with regularity. Brown retired in 1965 as the NFL's all-time leading rusher, a 9-time Pro Bowl selection, and 8-time rushing champion. In 2002, the Sporting News named Brown the greatest football player of all-time.

Card #71 of the 1961 Topps set featured the great back, inexplicably already halfway through his Hall of Fame career. This example is bright and striking, with an image of "Jimmy" holding a football with both hands gracing the front. Corners and edges consistent with the grade, with centering just slightly northeast on the canvas. Some light snow and fisheyes in the gorgeous blue background along with some light soiling near the bottom edge keeps this card from grading even higher than it already has. Nevertheless, the gorgeous colors give this card, graded EX 5 by SGC, tremendous eye appeal.