In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the nation sought symbols of unity, strength, and resilience. For New York Giants fans and football enthusiasts alike, Edgar Brown’s painting “United We Sack” became a powerful representation of these values.
Original painting created by artist Edgar J. Brown 2022 | http://edgarbrown.com
As I reflect on my 100 New York Giants paintings, the 100th being of Saquon Barkley titled The Sky’s the Limit, I’m thrilled to revisit a pivotal moment in my career: a 1992 New York Giants Today Show segment on CBS hosted by Greg Gumbel and Phil McConkey that showcased my passion for sports art.
Every artist has a turning point—a moment that pushes them from uncertainty into purpose. For me, one of those moments came at **Wallington High School**, where I graduated in **1982**. Decades later, in **2020**, I was humbled to be **inducted into the Wallington High School Academic Hall of Fame**—an honor that brought everything full circle.
I had the honor of being commissioned to paint the former UFC Referee Big John McCarthy. The painting they wanted me to create was of a famous UFC 71 fight between Chuck Liddell and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. They submitted a photograph of Big John McCarthy stopping the fight between the two fighters to use as a reference. They gave me creative liberties in how I approached the event and portrayed the crowd. Essentially this was an iconic fight in history and Big John has played a huge roll in the history of the Ultimate Fighter. I needed to make this monumental moment come to life, I needed to make you feel the event, to hear the crowd coming to life as Big John jumps in to protect a champion who has just succumbed to his challengers blows. The original painting is 30″ x 40″ acrylic on museum-quality canvas that was delivered to Big John McCarthy.
This original painting — inspired by the strength, grace, and purpose Carson brought to the game — was handcrafted in my studio and later released as a Limited Edition Fine Art Print, officially licensed by the NFL and the NFLPA, and included in the Deacon Jones Foundation art initiative, which uses art to fund youth education and mentorship programs.
This powerful quote from Floyd Mayweather Jr. served as the inspiration for my original painting, a tribute to one of the most dominant and disciplined athletes in boxing history. Titled “A True Champion Will Fight Through Anything,” this piece was hand-painted in acrylic on heavyweight canvas, measuring a museum-standard 24″ x 36″ — a fitting size for a fighter whose presence in the ring was larger than life.
As a sports artist, I strive to capture more than just physical likeness. I aim to reflect the mindset, grit, and essence of an athlete. With Floyd Mayweather Jr., I saw not just an undefeated champion — but a strategist, a technician, and a relentless force who overcame personal and professional challenges to remain undefeated in a career that spanned decades.
Title: “A True Champion Will Fight Through Anything”
Medium: Acrylic
Canvas: Heavyweight, museum-standard
Size: 24″ x 36″
Status: Original Hand-Painted Artwork by Edgar J. Brown
Every brushstroke was intended to reflect Floyd’s achievements in American Boxing — the focus in his portrait, the precision in every move, and the unshakable confidence that defined his career. The patriotic background and subtle lighting are designed to spotlight his victories, while the vibrant tones and sweat on his face pull your eye straight to being undefeated.
With a flawless record of 50–0, Mayweather isn’t just a fighter — he’s a brand, a tactician, and a cultural icon. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his impact on boxing and sports history. He represents the highest level of discipline and self-belief — qualities I believe are essential to greatness, in and out of the ring.
This painting is my artistic salute to that legacy.
➡️ To view more original artwork:
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Just completed a new portrait painting of my daughter Brianna. A few years back I took this photograph of my daughter when we were on vacation and I always said I wanted to do a painting of her. So I finally got around to it and finished this new painting titled ” The Beauty of Summer” a portrait of my daughter Brianna. The painting is an acrylic on heavyweight canvas and is 24″ x 30″ in size.
Give the Gift of Fine Art this Holiday Season. Visit the Edgar J. Brown Sports Art Collection featuring paintings of legendary New York Giants Football Players, like Phil Simms, Jeff Hostetler and Mark Bavaro. Limited number of fine art prints are available online in our store. https://www.edgarbrown.com/fine-art-editions/
© Artist Edgar J. Brown 
© Artist Edgar J. Brown 
© Artist Edgar J. Brown 
© Artist Edgar J. Brown 
© Artist Edgar J. Brown
© Artist Edgar J. Brown
© Artist Edgar J. Brown