SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Jim Brown is being honored by the Syracuse University Alumni Association with the 2016 Arents Award.

The award will be given Sept. 16. It's the school's highest alumni award, which honors excellence in athletics and social activism.

Brown began the Syracuse legend of No. 44 for the Orange football team when he wore it from 1954-56. He was a four-sport star at Syracuse in football, lacrosse, basketball and track and field. He went on to stardom in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns.

Brown has supported Africa-American causes, helping to create the Negro Industrial Economic Union in the 1960s. He also founded the Amer-I-Can program in the 1980s, which helps young gang members turn around their lives.

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