It speaks volumes when a legend lauds another legend. So when Jim Brown whispered to the frail man seated before him, "You're the greatest of all time," he could be speaking only to one man. Muhammad Ali.
News of Ali's release from a hospital on Tuesday comes as a relief for fans of the most recognizable man in sport. Ali is boxing to his fans, nearly 55 years after he captured gold at the 1960 Olympics.
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His accomplishments in the ring, including winning heavyweight boxing titles three times, are noteworthy. But life inside the ropes is just part of the Ali story. He is an inspiration, a humanitarian and a worthy recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What a strange and yet deserving away to provide absolution from the stigma of his stand in the 1960s against an unpopular war and despised military draft, and of the racial overtones inherent to both.
After 17 days' treatment, Ali went home. Doctors at first believed he had pneumonia, but then said he had a severe urinary tract infection. Healing that issue is complete. But "The Greatest" remains stricken by Parkinson's disease.
The affliction robs him of many things, but there are flashes of the wit and charm that let him succeed with braggadocio. The taunts and putdowns of opponents would have sounded hollow if issued by Mike Tyson. But it was magic when Ali uttered them.
It ain't braggin' if you can prove it, the old adage goes. And Ali proved it against Joe Frazier, George Foreman and others not as well remembered.
Ali turns 73 on Jan. 17, and reports say he plans to mark the day with family and friends. Those same people close to Ali offered their thanks to supports for their good wishes during the boxer's convalescence.
"He's in great spirits and enjoying being back home," spokesman Bob Gunnell said. "He's back in his daily routine."
Ali retired from boxing in 1981. But he has not retired from life. Remember seeing him light the Olympic flame at the 1996 Atlanta Games? The roar was deafening.
These days, Ali is seldom seen. In September, he attended the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. That when Brown, possibly the greatest running back in pro football history, confirmed to Ali what the world holds as truth.
Muhammad Ali is the greatest.