“Ultimately, a running back has to get rid of tacklers without his blockers being a part of it.”
That quote from Jim Brown could have been the caption for an image captured by one of America’s great sports photographers on the opening day of the 1963 NFL season. Malcolm Emmons, whose regular clients included Sports Illustrated, SPORT, The Sporting News and other national publications, captured the great Cleveland Browns running back who had the undivided attention of three Washington Redskins defenders on that sunny September day The RMY Auctions Photo of the Day is an 8×10 Emmons original with a current high bid approaching $600.
Brown was in his prime as the ’63 season began and he got off to a roaring start in this game, catching a screen pass from Frank Ryan that turned into an 83 yard touchdown in the second quarter. He then rumbled 10 yards for a second score before the half and added an 80 yard scoring jaunt in the fourth quarter as Blanton Collier’s Browns whipped Washington, 37-14. On the day, he rushed 15 times for 162 yards and caught three passes for 100 more. He would finish the season with 1,863 rushing yards, winning the NFL title for the fifth time (he’d win seven in all).
Emmons also won awards for his work. In 1968, he was named winner of the first Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL photo contest. He did it again in 1971 and ’74. You may have had one of his Sports Illustrated posters on your wall if you grew up in the 1970s or 80s, and the famous NBA logo? It’s based on his photo of Jerry West. The back of the Brown photo includes Emmons’ own stamp.
Bidding on the Brown photo and over 300 others closes Saturday at RMYAuctions.com.
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