Why Jim Brown used to complain about Franco Harris

It turns out that Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown wasn't always the biggest fan of Pittsburgh Steelers icon and fellow Hall of Famer Franco Harris. 

"He would always complain about Franco Harris, who was a star at the time," broadcaster Brent Musburger recalled about Brown during an appearance on Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan, per Jordan Bondurant of Barrett Sports Media. "He said, 'Franco, he runs out of bounds too often. He doesn’t take on the safeties. Now a running back I really admire is Walter Payton!'" 

Specifically, Musburger was referring to conversations he had with Brown during the former's stint as the host of CBS' "The NFL Today" program. 

It was confirmed on Friday that Brown passed away at the age of 87, while Harris died at 72 shortly before Christmas. 

Brown featured for Cleveland from 1957 through the 1965 season, while Harris joined the Steelers via the 1972 NFL Draft. Musburger considers Brown the greatest running back of all time ahead of the likes of Harris, Payton and all others. 

"The first person would usually fall away from bringing him down," Musburger explained about Brown taking on defenders in one-on-one situations. "I can’t remember many times when just one guy in an open field was able to take the great Jim Brown down." 

Musburger also praised Brown for his toughness and his ability to consistently remain healthy despite playing such a demanding position. Additionally, Musburger mentioned how Brown served as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. 

"A lot of the athletes, they were timid and they didn’t like to speak out about it," Musburger said. "But Jim Brown, no. He would take it on head-on. I think his leadership in other areas needs to be remembered too." 

Musburger added that Brown, who made history on and off the field during his life, was "one of the most interesting men that I’ve ever been around" for reasons that go beyond his accomplishments as arguably the greatest overall football player who ever lived.