This article details the history of the Cleveland Browns American Football Club. ...

1946-1949: The AAFC Years

The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1946 under owner Arthur 'Mickey' McBride. A fan contest was conducted to determine the name of the team, with the most popular choice being "Panthers." However, Coach Paul Brown objected to the name as there was a semi-pro team using it already. A second contest was held, and the name "Browns" was selected. The coach was uncomfortable with the idea of having the team named after him, but stated publicly that the new team was named after boxing champion Joe Louis, who was known as the "Brown Bomber."^[1] Paul Eugene Brown (September 7, 1908 - August 5, 1991) was an athletics coach of American football and a major figure in the development of the National Football League. ... Professional boxing bout featuring Ricardo Domínguez (left) versus Rafael Ortíz Boxing, called pugilism (from Latin), prizefighting (when referring to professional boxing) or the sweet science[1] is a sport and martial art in which two participants of similar weight fight each other with their fists in a series... Joseph Louis Barrow (May 14 (sources differ), 1914 – April 13, 1981), better known in the boxing world as Joe Louis and nicknamed The Brown Bomber, was a native of LaFayette, Alabama and is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxing champions. ...

The Browns were extremely successful early into their existence, dominating the new All-America Football Conference, winning all four of its championships including the 1948 season in which they went unbeaten and untied - 24 years before the NFL's 'first' perfect team, the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Cleveland's undefeated streak (including ties) reached 29 games including 18 straight wins. The All-America Football Conference (AAFC) was a professional American football league that challenged the rival National Football League from 1946 to 1949. ... City Miami Gardens, Florida Other nicknames The Fins, The Fish Team colors Aqua, Coral and Navy Head Coach Cam Cameron Owner Wayne Huizenga General manager Randy Mueller Mascot T. D. League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1966-1969) Eastern Division (1966-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference...

The City of Cleveland showed terrific support for the Browns from the moment they were created. The team saw a record setting average attendance of 57,000 a game in its first season. The success of the Browns was largely a reason for Cleveland's NFL franchise, the Rams to leave town. ^[2] ...

1950-56: NFL

1950: The Browns won the league in their inaugural NFL season, behind a potent offense that included future hall of famers Otto Graham, Marion Motley, Dante Lavelli and Bill Willis. After going 10-2 in the regular season, the Browns defeated the New York Giants 8-3 in a playoff game and then beat Cleveland's previous NFL tenants, the Rams (who were now in Los Angeles), 30-28, in the NFL Championship game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the National Football Leagues Hall of Fame. ... Otto Everett Graham Jr. ... Marion Motley (born June 5, 1920, in Leesburg, Georgia, died June 27, 1999) was a former American Football fullback who played for the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. ... Dante Bert Joseph Lavelli (born Feb. ... William Karnet Willis (born October 5, 1921 in Columbus, Ohio) is a former professional football defensive lineman who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1953. ... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Big Blue Wrecking Crew, Big Blue, G-Men, The Jints, The New York Football Giants Team colors Royal Blue, Red, Gray, and White Head Coach Tom Coughlin Owner John Mara (50%) and Steve Tisch (50%) General manager Jerry Reese League/Conference affiliations National...

1951: The Browns went 11-1, facing the Rams in a rematch. A fourth quarter, 73-yard touchdown pass by Norm van Brocklin to Tom Fears put Los Angeles in the lead for good. The 24-17 loss was the Browns first in a championship game. Norman Mack Norm Van Brocklin (March 15, 1926 – May 2, 1983) was an American football player and coach. ... Thomas Jesse Fears (December 3, 1923 - January 4, 2000) was an American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League, playing nine seasons from 1948 to 1956. ...

1952: Finishing 8-4, the Browns faced the Detroit Lions in the championship game. A muffed punt, several defensive stands and a 67-yard touchdown run by Doak Walker all combined to help the Lions win 17-7, frustrating the Browns for the second consecutive year. On the upside, Ray Renfro became a star with 722 yards receiving and 322 yards rushing. City Detroit, Michigan Team colors Honolulu Blue, Silver, and Black Head Coach Rod Marinelli Owner William Clay Ford, Sr. ... Ewell Doak Walker, Jr. ... Raymond Renfro (born November 7, 1930 in Whitesboro, Texas) is a former American professional football player. ...

1953: The Browns started the season winning 11 straight games, but finished with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the final week, and then lost the 1953 Championship game in a rematch with the Lions. The game was, however, closer than the year before. With the score tied at 10 going into the final quarter, Lou Groza kicked two field goals to put Cleveland up 16-10. But Detroit's Bobby Layne threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jim Doran with under two minutes left and the Lions went on to win 17-16. City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Team colors Midnight Green, Black, White, and Silver Head Coach Andy Reid Owner Jeffrey Lurie General manager Tom Heckert Fight song Fly, Eagles Fly Mascot Swoop League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933-1949) American Conference (1950-1952) Eastern Conference (1953-1969) Capitol... Louis Roy Groza (January 25, 1924 - November 29, 2000) was an American football placekicker who played his entire career for the Cleveland Browns. ... Robert Lawrence Layne was born December 19, 1926, in Santa Ana, Texas. ...

1954: The Browns finished 9-3 and met up with Detroit in the championship for a third consecutive year. This time, however, the Browns were relentless on both sides of the ball, intercepting Bobby Layne six times and forcing three fumbles. Otto Graham threw three touchdowns and ran for three more, en route to a 56-10 thrashing and the Browns second NFL crown. Otto Everett Graham Jr. ...

1955: Another successful campaign for the Browns. Chuck Noll had a productive season at linebacker with five interceptions, Graham passed for 15 touchdowns and ran for six more, and the team, who finished 9-2-1, won their third NFL Championship game in six seasons 38-14, against the Los Angeles Rams. The game was played in LA. When Coach Brown took out Graham late in the game, the Ram’s fans gave Otto a standing ovation. For Browns fans, it was a bittersweet year as Graham retired after the season due to injuries. Charles Henry Chuck Noll (born January 5, 1932) is a former American football coach, having served as the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League from 1969 to 1991. ...

1956: Browns floundered without Graham behind center. Three quarterbacks (George Ratterman, Babe Parilli and Tommy O'Connell) were used, none of them throwing more touchdowns than interceptions. The team's 5-7 record saw the Browns shut out of a championship game for the first time in team history. George William Ratterman (born November 12, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio) was an American Football player in the All-America Football Conference and the National Football League. ... Vito Babe Parilli (born 1930) of the University of Kentucky was an All-American starting quarterback for the Wildcats under Coach Paul Bear Bryant. ...

1957-65: The Jim Brown years

The Browns responded in 1957 when they drafted fullback Jim Brown, who easily became the NFL's leading rusher (and NFL Rookie of the Year) with 942 yards in a 12-game regular season. Once again at the top of the division at 9-2-1, they advanced back to the championship game against their nemeses from Detroit. But the Lions dominated from start to finish, causing six turnovers and allowing the Browns' two quarterbacks (Tommy O'Connell and Milt Plum) only 95 yards passing in a 59-14 rout. James Nathaniel Jim Brown (born February 17, 1936) is a retired American professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor and social activist. ... Since 1967 The Associated Press has given two annual Rookie of the Year Awards to NFL American football players: one for an offensive player and one for a defensive player. ... Milton Ross Plum (b. ...

In 1958 Jim Brown ran for 1527 yards, almost twice as much as any other running back. In his nine seasons in the league, he crossed the 1000-yard barrier seven times. The only snag in their getting back to another championship was the New York Giants. They lost to New York on the last week of the season after a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, then, due to their equal 9-3 records, faced the Giants again in a tiebreaker game with the winner going to the finals. This one was never in doubt: Jim Brown was limited to 8 yards and the team committed four turnovers as they were shut out 10-0. City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Big Blue Wrecking Crew, Big Blue, G-Men, The Jints, The New York Football Giants Team colors Royal Blue, Red, Gray, and White Head Coach Tom Coughlin Owner John Mara (50%) and Steve Tisch (50%) General manager Jerry Reese League/Conference affiliations National...

In 1959 the Browns started 6-2 but finished 7-5, out of championship contention, despite Brown once again leading the league in rushing with 1329 yards. In 1960, Plum threw for 21 touchdowns and Brown's 1257 yards was still best in the NFL, but the team still finished second at 8-3-1.

Art Modell purchased the team in 1961. The season otherwise was typical: a fifth consecutive league-leading season from Jim Brown and a half-decent performance in the standings, but again, at 8-5-1, they were two games out of a berth in the championship. Arthur B. Modell (born June 23, 1925, Brooklyn, New York) was a National Football League team owner with the Cleveland Browns from 1961-1995 and the Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2004. ...

1966-73: Playoff disappointments

As training camp was beginning in July 1966, Jim Brown shocked the Browns, their fans and the NFL by announcing his retirement. Brown, who had been filming the movie The Dirty Dozen in London, was claimed by some to have been irritated by the Browns' threats of fines for not reporting for training camp and simply retired. Leroy Kelly became the Browns' new rushing threat for the 1966 season, ably filling Brown's shoes with the first of his three consecutive 1000-yard seasons. Frank Ryan's 29 touchdowns also led the league. Entering the final month of the regular season, the Browns had remained in contention, but a costly 26-14 loss in a Thanksgiving Day game at Dallas put a major dent in their postseason hopes. Blanton Collier's squad placed one game behind the Cowboys with a 9-5 mark and missed the league championship game for the first time in three years. Leroy Kelly, (born May 20, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pa. ... Frank Beall Ryan, Ph. ... Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is an annual one-day holiday to give thanks, traditionally to God, for the things one has at the end of the harvest season. ...

The 1967 Browns began the season with two losses, defeats that were quickly forgotten with nine wins in the next 11 contests to help the team finish at 9-5 for the second consecutive year. Unlike the previous season, the NFL's new realignment made that record good enough for first place in the short-lived Century Division, and a spot in the new Eastern Conference championship against the Cowboys. Unfortunately, the game between the two squads was over quickly as Don Meredith passed for two touchdowns, Dave Baynham ran for three and Bob Hayes generally made the Browns' life miserable on special teams as the Cowboys annihilated the Browns 52-14. Joseph Don Dandy Don Meredith (born April 10, 1938 in Mount Vernon, Texas) was an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, football commentator, and entertainer. ... Robert Lee (Bullet Bob) Hayes (December 20, 1942 - September 18, 2002) was an American track and field athlete and American football player. ...

Following another slow start in 1968 Ryan was out at quarterback, in favor of Bill Nelsen, who had been acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. In their October 20 game against the undefeated Baltimore Colts, the heavy underdog Browns stunned their opponents with a 30-20 win, sparking an eight-game winning streak. Nelsen's main target was fifth-year receiver Paul Warfield, who had the best season of his career, with 1067 yards and 12 touchdowns. The team finished the regular season with a 10-4 mark, good enough for another first-place finish and a rematch with Dallas in the Eastern Conference final. After four consecutive losses to their Texas opponents, the Browns ended their frustration by not allowing the Cowboys an offensive touchdown until the final minute. Leroy Kelly's two long runs for scores paced the offense, with the turning point in a 31-20 victory coming on Dale Lindsey's return of a Don Meredith interception for a touchdown early in the second half. Cleveland advanced to the NFL Championship against the Baltimore Colts. Don Cockroft had an early field goal blocked, and the Browns would not have another chance to score again. Tom Matte ran for three touchdowns as the Colts shut out the Browns 34-0 to advance to Super Bowl III. William Keith Nelsen (Born January 29, 1941) was a former football player who played collegiately for the University of Southern California and professionally with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. ... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football... Paul Dryden Warfield (born November 28, 1942 in Warren, Ohio) was a professional American football wide receiver in the 1960s and 1970s. ... Leroy Kelly, (born May 20, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pa. ... Dale Lindsey is the current linebackers coach for the Washington Redskins. ... The National Football League has used several different formats to determine their league champions since its founding in 1920. ... There have been two unrelated American football teams called the Baltimore Colts based in Baltimore, Maryland. ... Donald Lee Cockroft (born February 6, 1945 in Cheyenne, Wyoming) is a former American football punter and placekicker who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. ... Tom Matte (born 1939, near Pittsburgh) was an American football player who played running back in the NFL in the 1960s and 1970s and earned a Super Bowl Ring. ... Date January 12, 1969 Stadium Miami Orange Bowl City Miami, Florida MVP Joe Namath, Quarterback Favorite Colts by 18 National anthem Anita Bryant Coin toss Tom Bell Referee Tom Bell Halftime show America Thanks with Florida A&M University Attendance 75,389 TV in the United States Network NBC Announcers...

The 1969 season produced similar results. Nelsen threw 2700 yards and 23 touchdowns (both career highs), and Warfield and Gary Collins both had at least ten touchdown catches. The team finished 10-3-1, again best in the Century Division, and once again played the Cowboys in the conference final. Nelsen threw for 219 yards and Walt Sumner returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown as the Browns took their second straight Eastern championship by the score of 38-14. But the NFL Championship Game was another disappointment for the Browns. Joe Kapp of the Minnesota Vikings scored on the team's first possession and another rout began. The Vikings went up 20-0 by halftime and ended up winning 27-7. Gary Collins (born August 20, 1940) is a retired American football wide receiver and punter who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1962 to 1971. ... Kapp on Sports Illustrated Cover Joseph Robert Kapp was an American football quarterback. ... City Minneapolis, Minnesota Other nicknames The Vikes, The Purple People Eaters Team colors Purple, Gold, and White Head Coach Brad Childress Owner Zygi Wilf General manager Rob Brzezinski Fight song Skol, Vikings Mascot Ragnar League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1961–present) Western Conference (1961-1969) Central Division (1967-1969...

The 1970 AFL-NFL merger would see the Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts move to the new American Football Conference aligned with the 10 teams of the American Football League. While the realignment would greatly benefit the Steelers, the placement of the Browns into the AFC's Central Division would not be as good. The trade of Paul Warfield to the Miami Dolphins for a draft choice used on Purdue All American Mike Phipps did not help the Browns either. After defeating the New York Jets in the first-ever broadcast of Monday Night Football, the Browns stumbled through the season finishing 7-7. The AFL-NFL Merger of 1970 involved the merger of the two major professional American football leagues in the United States during the time: the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). ... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football... There have been two unrelated American football teams called the Baltimore Colts based in Baltimore, Maryland. ... The American Football Conference (AFC) is one of the two conferences of the National Football League (NFL). ... AFL logo The American Football League (AFL) was a professional league of American football that operated from 1960 to 1969. ... Paul Dryden Warfield (born November 28, 1942 in Warren, Ohio) was a professional American football wide receiver in the 1960s and 1970s. ... City Miami Gardens, Florida Other nicknames The Fins, The Fish Team colors Aqua, Coral and Navy Head Coach Cam Cameron Owner Wayne Huizenga General manager Randy Mueller Mascot T. D. League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1966-1969) Eastern Division (1966-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Gang Green, the Green and White Team colors Green and White Head Coach Eric Mangini Owner Robert Wood Johnson IV General manager Mike Tannenbaum League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Eastern Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football... Monday Night Football (MNF) is a live television broadcast of the National Football League. ...

Coach Blanton Collier retired for health reasons (deafness) was replaced with Nick Skorich before the 1971 season. The Browns improved to 9-5, and a first-place finish in the AFC Central. This placed them in the divisional playoff against the Baltimore Colts; but much like their matchup three years earlier, the game went ugly early. Backup Colts running back Don Nottingham scored two first-half touchdowns, and it was all Baltimore would need. The Browns season ended in another 20-3 disappointment. Blanton Long Collier (born July 2, 1906, Millersburg, Kentucky; died March 22, 1983, Houston, Texas) was an American football coach who led the University of Kentucky (1954-1961) and Cleveland Browns (1963-1970). ... Nicholas Leonard Skorich (born June 26, 1921 in Bellaire, Ohio; died October 2, 2004) was an American football player and coach. ... There have been two unrelated American football teams called the Baltimore Colts based in Baltimore, Maryland. ... Don Nottingham (born 1949 in Ravenna, Ohio, near Pittsburgh) was an American football player who played running back in the NFL in the 1970s and earned a Super Bowl Ring. ...

Mike Phipps was promoted to starting quarterback over Nelsen before the 1972 season. After a sluggish start, the Browns went on an 8-1 tear. That surge was highlighted by late comeback victories against the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers and a playoff-clinching victory at Cincinnati. A 10-4 mark earned them the AFC wild card berth and put them in a divisional playoff against the undefeated Miami Dolphins. The Browns took a lead in the fourth-quarter on a Fair Hooker touchdown catch, but Jim Kiick preserved the Dolphins' perfect season with a late touchdown run for the 20-14 decision. Michael Elston Phipps (born January 19, 1947) was an football quarterback who played collegiately for the Purdue University Boilermakers (1967-1969), and professionally for both the Cleveland Browns (1970-1976) and Chicago Bears (1977-1981). ... City Miami Gardens, Florida Other nicknames The Fins, The Fish Team colors Aqua, Coral and Navy Head Coach Cam Cameron Owner Wayne Huizenga General manager Randy Mueller Mascot T. D. League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1966-1969) Eastern Division (1966-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference... Jim Kiick, born in 1946, is an American Football player. ...

In 1973, Phipps threw 20 interceptions to just nine touchdowns, and no rusher had more than 600 yards. After winning four of their first six games, the Browns slumped before bouncing back with a trio of victories, the last one a dramatic last-minute victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 25. The following week, a fourth quarter rally salvaged a 20-20 tie against the Kansas City Chiefs, but a playoff berth evaporated the following week with a 34-17 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland ended the year at 7-5-2, good for third place in the division. Defensive lineman Jerry Sherk, made the first of four consecutive trips to the NFL Pro Bowl. Jerry Sherk was a defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns between 1970 and 1981. ... The Pro Bowl is the National Football Leagues all-star game. ...

1974-84: The Kardiac Kids

The Browns' era of success came to a crashing halt as the team dropped to 4-10 in 1974. Neither Phipps nor rookie QB Brian Sipe were effective, throwing 24 combined interceptions to only 10 touchdowns. The Browns allowed 344 points, most in the league. It was the first losing season in franchise history and head coach Nick Skorich saw his tenure with the team end as a result of the collapse. The Kardiac Kids refers to the 1980 Cleveland Browns who had a penchant for having games decided in the final moments. ... Brian Winfield Sipe (born 1949) is a former professional American Football quarterback who played in the NFL between 1974-83 and the USFL in 1984-85. ... Nicholas Leonard Skorich (born June 26, 1921 in Bellaire, Ohio; died October 2, 2004) was an American football player and coach. ...

Assistant coach and former Green Bay Packer offensive lineman Forrest Gregg took over in 1975, but the bad fortunes of the team remained with an 0-9 start that finally came to an end on November 23 in a 35-23 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Three weeks later, third-year running back Greg Pruitt paced the team with 214 yards rushing in a rout over the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the team finish the season 3-11. Alvis Forrest Gregg (born October 18, 1933, in Birthright, Texas) is a former American Football Offensive Tackle and coach who played for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. ... City Cincinnati, Ohio Team colors Black, Orange and White Head Coach Marvin Lewis Owner Mike Brown Mascot Who Dey League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1968-1969) Western Division (1968-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC Central (1970-2001) AFC North (2002-present) Team... Gregory Donald Pruitt (born August 18, 1951 in Houston, Texas) was a National Football League running back from 1973 through 1984. ... City Kansas City, Missouri Team colors Red, Gold, and White Head Coach Herman Edwards Owner The Hunt Family[1] General manager Carl Peterson Mascot K.C. Wolf (1989-present) Warpaint (1963-1988) League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American...

Cleveland showed marked improvement with a 9-5 mark in 1976 as Brian Sipe firmly took control at quarterback. Sipe had been inserted into the lineup after a Mike Phipps injury in the season-opening win against the New York Jets on September 12. After a 1-3 start brought visions of another disastrous year, the Browns jolted the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers with an 18-16 victory on October 10. Third-string quarterback Dave Mays helped lead the team to that victory, while defensive end Joe "Turkey" Jones' pile-driving sack of quarterback Terry Bradshaw fueled the heated rivalry between the two teams. That win was the first of eight in the next nine weeks, helping put the Browns in contention for the AFC playoffs. A loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season finale cost them a share of the division title, but running back Greg Pruitt continued his outstanding play by rushing for exactly 1000 yards, his second-straight four-digit season. Brian Winfield Sipe (born 1949) is a former professional American Football quarterback who played in the NFL between 1974-83 and the USFL in 1984-85. ... Michael Elston Phipps (born January 19, 1947) was an football quarterback who played collegiately for the Purdue University Boilermakers (1967-1969), and professionally for both the Cleveland Browns (1970-1976) and Chicago Bears (1977-1981). ... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Gang Green, the Green and White Team colors Green and White Head Coach Eric Mangini Owner Robert Wood Johnson IV General manager Mike Tannenbaum League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Eastern Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football... The Source Magazine The Source is a monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture. ... Joe Turkey Jones was an American football defensive end who played eleven seasons, in the National Football League, primarly for the Cleveland Browns. ... Terry Paxton Bradshaw (born September 2, 1948), is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). ... City Kansas City, Missouri Team colors Red, Gold, and White Head Coach Herman Edwards Owner The Hunt Family[1] General manager Carl Peterson Mascot K.C. Wolf (1989-present) Warpaint (1963-1988) League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American... Gregory Donald Pruitt (born August 18, 1951 in Houston, Texas) was a National Football League running back from 1973 through 1984. ...

The Browns continued to roll in the first half of the 1977 NFL season, but an injury to Brian Sipe by Pittsburgh's Jack Lambert on November 13 proved to be disastrous. Cleveland won only one of their last five games to finish at 6-8, a collapse that led to Forrest Gregg's dismissal before the final game of the season. Dick Modzelewski served as interim coach in the team's 20-19 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 1977 NFL season was the 58th regular season of the National Football League. ... Brian Winfield Sipe (born 1949) is a former professional American Football quarterback who played in the NFL between 1974-83 and the USFL in 1984-85. ... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football... John Harold Jack Lambert (July 8, 1952, Mantua, Ohio, United States) is a former NFL linebacker in American football. ... November 13 is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 48 days remaining. ... Alvis Forrest Gregg (born October 18, 1933, in Birthright, Texas) is a former American Football Offensive Tackle and coach who played for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. ... Dick Modzelewski (born February 16, 1931) is a former football player and coach who played professionally for four teams and later served as interim head coach of the Cleveland Browns in the final game of the 1977 NFL season. ... City Seattle, Washington Team colors Pacific Blue, Navy Blue, Neon Green, White Head Coach Mike Holmgren Owner Paul Allen General manager Tim Ruskell Mascot Blitz, and Taima the augur hawk League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1976–present) American Football Conference (1977-2001) AFC West (1977-2001) National Football Conference...

On December 27, 1977,Sam Rutigliano was named head coach, and aided a healthy Sipe in throwing 21 touchdowns and garnering 2900 yards during the 1978 NFL season. Greg Pruitt and Mike Pruitt led a rushing attack that gained almost 2500 yards, but problems with the team's dismal pass defense resulted in the Browns finishing 8-8 on the year. December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (362nd in leap years). ... For the album by Ash, see 1977 (album). ... Sam Rutigliano (b. ... The 1978 NFL season was the 59th regular season of the National Football League. ... Gregory Donald Pruitt (born August 18, 1951 in Houston, Texas) was a National Football League running back from 1973 through 1984. ... Mike Pruitt (born April 3, 1954) is a former American Football running back who played eleven seasons from 1976 to 1986 with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League. ...

The 1979 campaign started with four consecutive wins, three of which were in the final minute or overtime. Four more games were won by less than a touchdown. This penchant for playing close games would later earn them the nickname "Kardiac Kids". Sipe threw 28 touchdown passes, tying him with Steve Grogan of New England for most in the league, but his 26 interceptions were the worst in the league. Mike Pruitt had a Pro Bowl season with his 1294 rushing yards, while the defense was still shaky, ranking near the bottom in rushing defense. The team finished 9-7, behind division rivals Houston and Pittsburgh in a tough AFC Central. The Kardiac Kids refers to the 1980 Cleveland Browns who had a penchant for having games decided in the final moments. ... Steve Grogan (July 24, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas) was an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots in the National Football League from 1975 until 1990. ... City Foxborough, Massachusetts Other nicknames The Pats Team colors Nautical Blue, New Century Silver, Red, and White Head Coach Bill Belichick Owner Robert Kraft General manager Bill Belichick Mascot Pat Patriot League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–69) Eastern Division (1960–69) National Football League (1970–present) American Football... City New Orleans, Louisiana Team colors Old Gold, Black, and White Head Coach Sean Payton Owner Tom Benson General manager Mickey Loomis Mascot Gumbo League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1967–present) Eastern Conference (1967-1969) Capitol Division (1967; 1969) Century Division (1968) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football...

The 1980 season is still fondly remembered by Browns fans. After splitting the first six games by going 3-3, the Browns won three straight games with fourth-quarter comebacks, and stopped a late comeback by the Baltimore Colts to win a fourth. The Browns won two more games in that fashion by the end of the season, and even lost a game to the Minnesota Vikings on the last play when a Hail Mary pass was tipped into the waiting hands of Ahmad Rashad. Sipe passed for 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns with only 14 INTs (enough for him to be named the NFL MVP), behind an offensive line that sent three members to the Pro Bowl: Doug Dieken, Tom DeLeone and Joe DeLamielleure. The "Kardiac Kids" name stuck. A fourth-quarter field goal by Don Cockroft in the final game against the Cincinnati Bengals helped the Browns capture the division with an 11-5 mark, with the Oakland Raiders their opponent in the team's first playoff game in eight years. However, a heartbreaking end of this dramatic season came in the closing seconds when Sipe called what became known as "Red Right 88" and passed toward the end zone, only to watch Oakland's Mike Davis intercept the ball. The Raiders went on to win the Super Bowl, and "Red Right 88" has numbered among the list of Cleveland sports curses ever since (see: The Drive; The Fumble; The Shot by Michael Jordan; 1994 Major League Baseball strike; Cleveland State basketball coach Kevin Mackey's arrest and conviction for cocaine and Game 7 of the 1997 World Series). There have been two unrelated American football teams called the Baltimore Colts based in Baltimore, Maryland. ... City Minneapolis, Minnesota Other nicknames The Vikes, The Purple People Eaters Team colors Purple, Gold, and White Head Coach Brad Childress Owner Zygi Wilf General manager Rob Brzezinski Fight song Skol, Vikings Mascot Ragnar League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1961–present) Western Conference (1961-1969) Central Division (1967-1969... A Hail Mary pass or Hail Mary play in American football is a forward pass made in desperation, with only a very small chance of success. ... Ahmad Rashad Ahmad Rashad (born Bobby Moore November 19, 1949 in Portland, Oregon, raised in Tacoma, Washington) is an Emmy award-winning sportscaster (mostly with NBC Sports) and former American football wide receiver for the St. ... The NFL Most Valuable Player Award is given by various entities, most notably the Associated Press, to the player who has contributed the most to the success of the players team. ... The Pro Bowl is the National Football Leagues all-star game. ... Douglas Dieken (born February 12, 1949 in Streator, Illinois) is a former American football tackle who played fourteen seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. ... Thomas Denning DeLeone (born August 13, 1950 in Ravenna, Ohio) is a former American football center who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. ... Joseph Michael DeLamielleure (born March 16, 1951, Detroit, Michigan) is a former American football offensive lineman who was an All-American at Michigan State. ... Donald Lee Cockroft (born February 6, 1945 in Cheyenne, Wyoming) is a former American football punter and placekicker who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. ... City Cincinnati, Ohio Team colors Black, Orange and White Head Coach Marvin Lewis Owner Mike Brown Mascot Who Dey League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1968-1969) Western Division (1968-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC Central (1970-2001) AFC North (2002-present) Team... City Oakland, California Other nicknames The Silver and Black, Da Raidahs Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Lane Kiffin Owner Al Davis General manager Michael Lombardi League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–1969) Western Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC... Red Right 88 was the designation of a Cleveland Browns passing play that was most prominently called during the January 4, 1981 American Football Conference playoff game against the Oakland Raiders. ... The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... The Drive refers to the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns. ... The Fumble refers to a specific incident in the January 17, 1988 AFC Championship Game between the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos. ... The Shot refers to a basket made by Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls in the fifth game of the first round of the 1989 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, on May 7, 1989, at Clevelands home floor in Richfield, Ohio. ... For other persons named Michael Jordan, see Michael Jordan (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The 1997 World Series was widely regarded as one of the most exciting Series in recent memory. ...

If 1980 was a dream season, then 1981 was a nightmare. Sipe threw only 17 touchdowns while being picked off 25 times. The Browns went 5-11, and few of their games were particularly close. Tight end Ozzie Newsome, their only Pro Bowler, had 1004 yards receiving for six touchdowns. Ozzie Newsome Jr. ...

In 1982 Brian Sipe split quarterbacking duties with Paul McDonald, and both put up similar numbers. The Browns had little success rushing or defending against it, finishing in the bottom five teams in both yardage categories. Despite going 4-5, Cleveland was able to make the playoffs due to an expanded playoff system in the strike-shortened year. They were matched up with the Raiders in the playoffs, but were easily defeated 27-10. Brian Winfield Sipe (born 1949) is a former professional American Football quarterback who played in the NFL between 1974-83 and the USFL in 1984-85. ... Paul McDonald was a 1979 All-American graduate of USC and played Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. ...

Sipe and the Browns got some of their spark back in 1983. Sipe had 26 touchdown passes and 3566 yards, while Mike Pruitt ran for 10 scores on 1184 yards. Cleveland even won two games in overtime and another in the fourth quarter. A fourth-quarter loss to the Houston Oilers in their second-to-last game dashed their playoff hopes. At 9-7 the Browns finished one game behind the Steelers, and lost out on a wild-card spot due to a tiebreaker. Mike Pruitt (born April 3, 1954) is a former American Football running back who played eleven seasons from 1976 to 1986 with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League. ... City New Orleans, Louisiana Team colors Old Gold, Black, and White Head Coach Sean Payton Owner Tom Benson General manager Mickey Loomis Mascot Gumbo League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1967–present) Eastern Conference (1967-1969) Capitol Division (1967; 1969) Century Division (1968) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West...

1984 was a rebuilding year. Brian Sipe defected to the upstart USFL after the 1983 season, and Paul McDonald was named the starting quarterback. Mike Pruitt missed much of the season and later ended up on the Buffalo Bills. Coach Sam Rutigliano lost his job after a 1-7 start as Marty Schottenheimer took over. The Browns coasted to a 5-11 record. The United States Football League was a professional American football league that played three seasons between 1983 and 1985, in the process presenting the rival National Football League with its greatest competitor since the 1960s version of the American Football League. ... Paul McDonald was a 1979 All-American graduate of USC and played Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. ... Mike Pruitt (born April 3, 1954) is a former American Football running back who played eleven seasons from 1976 to 1986 with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League. ... City Orchard Park, New York Team colors Dark Navy, light blue, Red, light Red, Royal, Nickel, and White Head Coach Dick Jauron Owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. ... Sam Rutigliano (b. ... Martin Edward Schottenheimer (born September 23, 1943 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania) is an American football coach. ...

1985-90: The Bernie Kosar years

In 1985, the Browns selected University of Miami quarterback Bernie Kosar in the Supplemental Draft. As a rookie, Kosar learned through trial by fire as he took over for Gary Danielson midway through the 1985 season. Progressing a bit more each Sunday, the young quarterback helped turn the struggling season around, as the Browns won four of the six games Kosar started. Two young rushers, Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack, played a large part in the teams success as well; each ran for 1000+ yards. The Brown's 8-8 record gave the team the top spot in a weak AFC Central, and they looked poised to shock the heavily favored Miami Dolphins in the 1986 Divisional Playoff game with a 21-3 lead at halftime. It took Dan Marino's spirited second-half comeback to win the game for Miami 24-21. While the Brown's faithful may have felt the initial sting of disappointment, there was tremendous upside in the loss: Schottenheimer's team, with Kosar at quarterback, reached the playoffs each of the next five seasons, advancing to the AFC Championship game in three of those years. The 1985 NFL season was the 66th regular season of the National Football League. ... Bernie Joseph Kosar, Jr. ... Gary Danielson is a retired American football quarterback of Armenian decent[1]. He played for the Detroit Lions from 1976 to 1984 and for the Cleveland Browns in 1985, 1987 and 1988. ... Earnest Alexander Byner (born September 15, 1962 in Milledgeville, Georgia) is a former American football running back. ... James Kevin Mack (born August 9, 1962 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina) is a former National Football League and United States Football League running back. ... City Miami Gardens, Florida Other nicknames The Fins, The Fish Team colors Aqua, Coral and Navy Head Coach Cam Cameron Owner Wayne Huizenga General manager Randy Mueller Mascot T. D. League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1966-1969) Eastern Division (1966-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference... 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

The Browns broke into the ranks of the NFL's elite -- particularly on defense -- with a 12-4 showing in 1986. Behind Kosar's 3,854 yards passing and a defense with five Pro Bowlers (Chip Banks, Hanford Dixon, Bob Golic , Clay Matthews and Frank Minnifield), the Browns dominated the AFC Central with the best record in the AFC, and one of the NFL's stingiest defenses. With these on their side, the Browns clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In the 1987 Divisional Playoff game, the Browns needed some serious heroics (and a bit of luck) to overcome the New York Jets. The Jets were leading 20-10 with less than four minutes to play, with the Browns in a dire 3rd and 24 situation. As fate would have it, Mark Gastineau was called for roughing the passer, which gave Cleveland a first down. The drive ended with Kevin Mack running into the endzone for a touchdown. After going three-and-out the Jets went back on defense, but allowed the rejuvenated Browns to again drive the ball deep into their end of the field. With 11 seconds remaining in regulation, Mark Moseley kicked a field goal to tie the game. In the first of two ensuing overtime periods, Moseley missed his next attempt, but later redeemed himself by ending the game in what had become the second-longest game in NFL history. Final score Browns 23, Jets 20. The 1986 NFL season was the 67th regular season of the National Football League. ... The pioneering hardcore hip hop group Wu-Tang Clans plan to conquer the hip hop industry consisted not only of making each member into a solo star in their own right, but also to create and promote numerous affiliate artists. ... Hanford Dixon (born December 25, 1958 in Mobile, Alabama) is a former American football cornerback who played his entire career (1981-1989) for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. Dixon made the Pro Bowl three times, in 1986, 1987 and 1988. ... Robert Perry Golic (born October 26, 1957 in Cleveland, Ohio) is a former NFL defensive tackle who played for the New England Patriots (1979-1981), Cleveland Browns (1982-1988) and Los Angeles Raiders (1989-1992) in the NFL. He was drafted by the Patriots out of Notre Dame in the... William Clay Matthews, Jr. ... Frank Minnifield (born January 1, 1960, Lexington, Kentucky) is a former American football player who played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns from 1984-92. ... 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Gang Green, the Green and White Team colors Green and White Head Coach Eric Mangini Owner Robert Wood Johnson IV General manager Mike Tannenbaum League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Eastern Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football... Marcus Dell Gastineau (born November 20, 1956) is a former American football player for the New York Jets who played ten seasons from 1979 to 1988 in the National Football League. ... James Kevin Mack (born August 9, 1962 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina) is a former National Football League and United States Football League running back. ... Three and out is an American Football term used to describe a game situation where the team with the ball is unable to get a first down on their possesion and is forced to punt after they run 3 plays. ... Mark DeWayne Moseley (born 1948 in Lanesville, Texas), is a former professional American football placekicker who played for the Philadelphia Eagles (1970), the Houston Oilers (1971-1972), the Washington Redskins (1974-1986), and the Cleveland Browns (1986). ...

The 1987 AFC Championship game saw the Denver Broncos arrive in the windswept, hostile confines of Cleveland Municipal Stadium. No one knew at the time, but the Broncos would become Cleveland's arch-nemesis of the Kosar era. As it had been the previous week, the showdown proved again to be it was an overtime heart-stopper. But this time, it was John Elway and the Broncos who came away the victors. Pinned in on their own two yard line with 5:11 left to play and the wind in his face, Elway led his now infamous (or, for the Bronco's fans, 'legendary') 98-yard drive, which is now known by NFL historians as simply "The Drive"). With 37 seconds on the clock, Elway's 5-yard touchdown pass to Mark Jackson tied the game at 20 apiece. The 79,973 Browns fans in attendance were silenced when Rich Karlis' field goal attempt just made it inside the right-side upright to win the game for Denver early into overtime. City Denver, Colorado Other nicknames Orange Crush Team colors Orange, Broncos Navy Blue, and White[1] Head Coach Mike Shanahan Owner Pat Bowlen General manager Ted Sundquist Mascot Miles League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970... John Albert Elway, Jr. ... The Drive refers to the January 11, 1987 AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns. ... Mark Anthony Jackson (born July 23, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois), is a former American professional football player who was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. ... Rich Karlis (born May 23, 1959, in Salem, Ohio) is a former American Football kicker who played nine seasons for the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Detroit Lions in the National Football League from 1982 to 1990. ...

The Browns success was replicated in 1987, with 22 touchdown passes and 3000 yards for Kosar, and eight Pro Bowlers: Kosar, Mack, Dixon, Golic, Minnifield, linebacker Clay Matthews, wide receiver Gerald McNeil and offensive lineman Cody Risien. At 10-5, the Browns won the AFC Central again. Cleveland easily defeated the Indianapolis Colts 38-21 in the divisional playoff and travelled to Denver for a rematch with the Broncos in the AFC Championship. With the score 21-3 in favor of the Broncos at halftime, Kosar led a third-quarter comeback with two touchdowns by Earnest Byner and another by Reggie Langhorne. Early in the fourth quarter, Webster Slaughter's 4-yard touchdown catch tied it at 31-31. The Broncos regained the lead with a 20-yard Sammy Winder touchdown with under five minutes to go, setting the stage for another Browns comeback...or so they thought. Kosar drove the Browns to the Broncos' 8 yard line with 1:12 to go, and handed off to Byner. When it looked like he had an open route to the end zone, he was stripped of the ball by Jeremiah Castille. The Broncos recovered what became known as "The Fumble". After taking a safety, the Broncos shocked the Browns again, 38-33. The 1987 NFL season was the 68th regular season of the National Football League. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... William Clay Matthews, Jr. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Gerald McNeil (born March 27, 1962) is a former professional American football player. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Cody Lewis Risien (born March 22, 1957 in Bryan, Texas) is a former American football tackle who played eleven seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. ... City Indianapolis, Indiana Team colors Speed Blue and White Head Coach Tony Dungy Owner Jim Irsay General manager Bill Polian Mascot Blue League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1953–present) Western Conference (1953-1969) Coastal Division (1967-1969) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC East (1970-2001) AFC South (2002... Earnest Alexander Byner (born September 15, 1962 in Milledgeville, Georgia) is a former American football running back. ... Reginald Reggie Devan Langhorne (born April 7, 1963 in Suffolk, Virginia), is a former American professional football player who was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 1985 NFL Draft. ... Webster M. Slaughter was born on October 19th, 1964 in Stockton, CA where he attended Franklin High School. ... Sammy Winder (born July 15, 1959 in Madison, Mississippi) is a former professional American football running back who spent his entire professional career playing for the Denver Broncos, from 1982 to 1990. ... Jeremiah Castille (born January 15, 1961 in Columbus, Georgia) is an American professional football player. ... The Fumble refers to a specific incident in the January 17, 1988 AFC Championship Game between the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos. ...

Injuries to Kosar and two of his backups sidelined them for much of the 1988 season, but the Browns still finished 10-6. A final-week comeback victory in a snowstorm at Cleveland Stadium over the Houston Oilers clinched them a wild-card playoff spot, and a home game rematch against the Oilers in the first round. After Mike Pagel, in for Kosar, threw a touchdown pass to Webster Slaughter late in the fourth quarter to pull the Browns within a point at 24-23, the Browns had three chances to recover an onside kick (due to penalties), but the Oilers recovered and stopped the Cleveland comeback. The 1988 NFL season was the 69th regular season of the National Football League. ... Cleveland Stadium (also known as Municipal Stadium, Cleveland Municipal Stadium and The Mistake on (or by) the Lake) was a baseball and American football stadium located in Cleveland, Ohio. ... City New Orleans, Louisiana Team colors Old Gold, Black, and White Head Coach Sean Payton Owner Tom Benson General manager Mickey Loomis Mascot Gumbo League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1967–present) Eastern Conference (1967-1969) Capitol Division (1967; 1969) Century Division (1968) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West... Michael Jonathan Pagel (born September 13, 1960 in Douglas, Arizona), was a former American professional football player who was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 4th round of the 1982 NFL Draft. ... Webster M. Slaughter was born on October 19th, 1964 in Stockton, CA where he attended Franklin High School. ... An onside kick is a term used in American football and Canadian football for a play on a kickoff in which the ball is kicked a shorter distance than usual in order for the team that kicked it to regain possession of the ball. ...

Coach Marty Schottenheimer left the Browns by mutual agreement with Modell shortly after the loss to the Oilers. Modell was tired of losing in the playoffs and Schottenheimer was tired of what he perceived as Modell's interference with his coaching personnel and game strategy. Schottenheimer was quickly hired by the Kansas City Chiefs for the 1989 season. Bud Carson was his replacement in Cleveland, but his tenure was short - only one and a half years. The 1989 season, headlined by Slaughter's Pro Bowl-worthy 1236 yards receiving, was a success at 7-3 until a 10-10 tie with Schottenheimer's Chiefs in November led to a 3-game losing streak. Two comeback wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Oilers in the season's final two weeks kept them in the playoff race. The tie ended up being the Browns' saving grace, with their 9-6-1 record winning them the AFC Central title and first-round bye over the Oilers and Pittsburgh Steelers at 9-7. The Browns narrowly survived a scare from the Buffalo Bills in their divisional playoff game, when Scott Norwood missed an extra point that would have pulled Buffalo within 3 points and, later, when Jim Kelly's desperation pass to the end zone on the final play of the game was intercepted. Martin Edward Schottenheimer (born September 23, 1943 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania) is an American football coach. ... City Kansas City, Missouri Team colors Red, Gold, and White Head Coach Herman Edwards Owner The Hunt Family[1] General manager Carl Peterson Mascot K.C. Wolf (1989-present) Warpaint (1963-1988) League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American... The 1989 NFL season was the 70th regular season of the National Football League. ... Leon H. Bud Carson (born April 28, 1931 in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania; died December 7, 2005 in Sarasota, Florida) was an American football coach best-known for his role on the Pittsburgh Steelers championship teams of the 1970s. ... City Minneapolis, Minnesota Other nicknames The Vikes, The Purple People Eaters Team colors Purple, Gold, and White Head Coach Brad Childress Owner Zygi Wilf General manager Rob Brzezinski Fight song Skol, Vikings Mascot Ragnar League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1961–present) Western Conference (1961-1969) Central Division (1967-1969... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football... City Orchard Park, New York Team colors Dark Navy, light blue, Red, light Red, Royal, Nickel, and White Head Coach Dick Jauron Owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. ... Scott Allan Norwood (born July 17, 1960 in Miami, Florida) is a former National Football League kicker who played his entire career for the Buffalo Bills. ... James Edward Kelly (born February 14, 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) was an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. ... The end zone is a term in both Canadian football and American football. ...

Cleveland's 34-30 win set them up for a rematch with the Broncos in Denver for the AFC Championship. While their two previous matchups went down to the wire, this one was never in doubt. The Broncos led from start to finish, and a long Elway touchdown pass to Sammy Winder put the game way in the fourth quarter. Denver easily won 37-21.

In 1990 things began to unravel. Kosar threw more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (10) for the first time in his career; and the team finished last in the league in rushing offense, and near the bottom in rushing defense. Carson was fired after a 2-7 start, and the team finished 3-13, second-worst in the league. After the season Bill Belichick, defensive coordinator of the then-Super Bowl champion New York Giants, was named head coach, setting off a chain of events that some fans believe led to the demise of the original franchise. The 1990 NFL season was the 71st regular season of the National Football League. ... William Stephen Belichick (born April 16, 1952) is the American football coach of the New England Patriots of the National Football League. ... The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Big Blue Wrecking Crew, Big Blue, G-Men, The Jints, The New York Football Giants Team colors Royal Blue, Red, Gray, and White Head Coach Tom Coughlin Owner John Mara (50%) and Steve Tisch (50%) General manager Jerry Reese League/Conference affiliations National...

1991-95: Bill Belichick and Modell's move

The neutrality of this section is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page.

The Browns saw only a slight improvement under Belichick in the 1991, finishing 6-10. Kosar was markedly better, with a ratio of 18 touchdowns to 9 interceptions, and Leroy Hoard had a breakout season. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... The 1991 NFL season was the 72nd regular season of the National Football League. ... Leroy Hoard (born May 15, 1968 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) is a retired NFL running back who played for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings. ...

In 1992, with Kosar sitting out much of the season and Mike Tomczak in under center, Cleveland was in the thick of the AFC Central race before dropping their final three games to finish 8-8. The 1992 NFL season was the 73th regular season of the National Football League. ... Mike Tomczak (born October 23, 1962 in Calumet City, Illinois) is a former American football player. ...

The 1993 season saw Belichick make the controversial decision of benching Bernie Kosar in favor of Vinny Testaverde, who had been signed from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The immensely popular Kosar was later released by the team, prompting a heated reaction from fans, mostly aimed at Belichick. Cleveland won only two of its final nine games after Testaverde took over under center, finishing 7-9 once again. The 1993 NFL season was the 74th regular season of the National Football League. ... Vincent Frank Testaverde (born November 13, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American football quarterback for the National Football Leagues New England Patriots. ... City Tampa Bay, Florida Other nicknames The Bucs, Pewter Pirates Team colors Buccaneer Red, Pewter, Black, and Orange Head Coach Jon Gruden Owner Malcolm Glazer General manager Bruce Allen Mascot Captain Fear League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1976–present) American Football Conference (1976) AFC West (1976) National Football Conference...

Cleveland managed to right the ship in 1994, although the quarterback situation hadn't quite improved, a solid defense led the league for fewest yards allowed per attempt, sending four players (Rob Burnett, Pepper Johnson, Michael Dean Perry and Eric Turner) to the Pro Bowl. The Browns finished 11-5, making the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. In the AFC Wild Card game against the New England Patriots, the Browns' defense picked off Drew Bledsoe three times, with Testaverde completing two-thirds of his passes, to win 20-13. Arch-rival Pittsburgh ended the Browns' season the following week, however, with a 29-9 blowout in the AFC Divisional game. NFL 75th season anniversary logo The 1994 NFL season was the 75th regular season of the National Football League. ... Robert Burnett was a defensive end in the NFL. Category: ... Pepper Johnson (born 1964) is a former American Football linebacker who played thirteen seasons with the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions, and the New York Jets from 1986 to 1998 in the National Football League. ... Michael Dean Perry (born August 27, 1965 in Aiken, South Carolina) is a former american football defensive lineman and the younger brother of William Perry. ... Eric Turner was a hard hitting, former first round draft choice, at defensive back for the Browns. ... City Foxborough, Massachusetts Other nicknames The Pats Team colors Nautical Blue, New Century Silver, Red, and White Head Coach Bill Belichick Owner Robert Kraft General manager Bill Belichick Mascot Pat Patriot League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–69) Eastern Division (1960–69) National Football League (1970–present) American Football... Drew Bledsoe (born February 14, 1972)is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise. ... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football...

Sports Illustrated cover, December 4, 1995.

Team owner Art Modell announced on November 6, 1995, that he had signed a deal to relocate the Browns to Baltimore for 1996. The very next day, on November 7, 1995, Cleveland voters overwhelmingly approved an issue that had been placed on the ballot at Art Modell's request, before he made his decision to move the franchise, which provided $175 million in tax dollars to refurbish the outmoded and declining Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Art Modell's plan was later scrapped and taxpayers ultimately paid close to $300 million to demolish the old stadium and construct a new stadium for the Browns. Image File history File links Modell_move. ... Image File history File links Modell_move. ... The first issue of Sports Illustrated, August 16, 1954, showing Milwaukee Braves star Eddie Mathews at bat in Milwaukee County Stadium. ... December 4th redirects here. ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Arthur B. Modell (born June 23, 1925, Brooklyn, New York) was a National Football League team owner with the Cleveland Browns from 1961-1995 and the Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2004. ... November 6 is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 55 days remaining. ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Nickname: Monument City, Charm City, Mob Town[1][2], B-more Motto: The Greatest City in America,[3] Get in on it. ... The 1996 NFL season was the 77th regular season of the National Football League. ... November 7 is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 54 days remaining. ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Cleveland Stadium (also known as Municipal Stadium, Cleveland Municipal Stadium and The Mistake on the Lake) was a baseball and American football stadium located in Cleveland, Ohio. ...

The relocation announcement was met with unprecedented resistance from Browns fans, with over 100 lawsuits filed by fans, the city of Cleveland, and a host of others. Congress held hearings on the matter. Actor/comedian Drew Carey returned to his hometown of Cleveland on November 26, 1995, to host "Fan Jam" in protest of the proposed move. Virtually all of the team's sponsors immediately pulled their support, leaving Cleveland Municipal Stadium devoid of advertising during the team's final weeks. Drew Allison Carey (born May 23, 1958) is an American actor and comedian recognizable by his crew cut and black-rimmed glasses. ... November 26 is the 330th day (331st on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The 1995 season was a disaster on the field, too. After starting 3-1, the rumors of relocation, and the eventual announcement, cast a pall on the team, who finished 5-11. When fans in the Dawg Pound became unruly during their final home game against the Cincinnati Bengals, action moving towards that end zone had to be moved to the opposite end of the field. The Browns won, the only game the team won after the news of the Browns' move got out. The 1995 NFL season was the 76th regular season of the National Football League. ... Cleveland Browns Dawg logo The Dawg Pound is the name of the bleacher section behind the east end zone in Cleveland Browns Stadium, the home field of the Cleveland Browns. ... City Cincinnati, Ohio Team colors Black, Orange and White Head Coach Marvin Lewis Owner Mike Brown Mascot Who Dey League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1968-1969) Western Division (1968-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC Central (1970-2001) AFC North (2002-present) Team...

Led by Mayor Mike White, Cleveland accepted a legal settlement that would keep the Browns legacy in Cleveland. In February 1996, the National Football League announced that the team would be 'deactivated' for three years, and that a new stadium would be built for a new Cleveland Browns team that would begin play in 1999. Modell would in turn be granted a new franchise for Baltimore, the Baltimore Ravens, retaining the current contracts of players and personnel. The Browns' name, colors, history, records, awards and archives would remain in Cleveland. Michael R. White (born August 13, 1951) is an American politician of the Democratic party and the 55th and longest-serving mayor of Cleveland, Ohio encompassing three four-year terms, from 1990 to 2001. ... The National Football League (NFL) is the largest professional American football league, consisting of thirty-two teams from American cities and regions. ... Entrance ramp of the stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium is a football stadium located in Cleveland, Ohio ( ). It is the home of the Cleveland Browns NFL franchise. ... City Baltimore, Maryland Team colors Purple, Black, and Gold Head Coach Brian Billick Owner Steve Bisciotti General manager Ozzie Newsome Mascot Edgar, Allan, and Poe League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1996–present) American Football Conference (1996-present) AFC Central (1996-2001) AFC North (2002-present) Team history Baltimore Ravens...

1999-Present: Rebirth

In early 1998 the National Football League began its search for an owner for the reborn Browns, finding one later in the year in Al Lerner, a former limited partner of the original Browns and a friend of Art Modell who assisted in Modell's move to Baltimore. Lerner was the winning bidder against a number of others who sought the team, including cable TV magnates Charles Dolan and Larry Dolan, Cleveland real estate developer Bart Wolstein and New York developer Howard Milstein. [1] During the period from 1996-1998 other franchises, such as Tampa Bay, threatened their home cities with the possibility of moving to Cleveland in order to put pressure on their respective cities to get more governmental funding for their own stadiums, despite the fact that the city of Cleveland asserted that it would not accept such an arrangement. (There was nothing in the 1996 court settlement which prevented the league from allowing such a transfer though so we shall never know what would have happened if a team had tried to move to Cleveland.) Lerner died in October 2002, coincidentally four years to the day he was awarded the new Browns franchise. In death he turned the team over to a trust controlled by his son, Randy. The National Football League (NFL) is the largest professional American football league, consisting of thirty-two teams from American cities and regions. ... Alfred Al Lerner (May 8, 1933—October 23, 2002) was an American billionaire. ... Arthur B. Modell (born June 23, 1925, Brooklyn, New York) was a National Football League team owner with the Cleveland Browns from 1961-1995 and the Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2004. ... City Tampa Bay, Florida Other nicknames The Bucs, Pewter Pirates Team colors Buccaneer Red, Pewter, Black, and Orange Head Coach Jon Gruden Owner Malcolm Glazer General manager Bruce Allen Mascot Captain Fear League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1976–present) American Football Conference (1976) AFC West (1976) National Football Conference... Randy Lerner (born 1962) is an American entrepreneur. ...

The Browns on the field in 2004 against the Washington Redskins.

The team returned with high hopes and expectations, featuring deep-pocketed ownership and what appeared to be solid general management in the form of former San Francisco 49ers president Carmen Policy, general manager Dwight Clark and head coach Chris Palmer. Policy, Clark and Palmer did not live up to their advance billing and the team floundered. Palmer was dismissed after the 2000 season and Policy and Clark were forced out in 2003. Palmer was succeeded by former University of Miami coach Butch Davis. Despite a 2002 AFC Wild Card qualification, the team saw a dismal record during the next two seasons leading to Butch Davis' resignation in December 2004. Offensive Coordinator Terry Robiskie, was named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2004 season. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1889 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Cleveland Browns Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1889 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Cleveland Browns Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... City Landover, Maryland Other nicknames The Skins Team colors Burgundy and Gold Head Coach Joe Gibbs Owner Dan Snyder Fight song Hail to the Redskins League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1932–present) Eastern Division (1933-1949) American Conference (1950-1952) Eastern Conference (1953-1969) Capitol Division (1967-1969) National... City San Francisco, California Other nicknames Niners, The Red And Gold, Bay Bombers Team colors Cardinal red, metallic gold and black Head Coach Mike Nolan Owner Denise DeBartolo York and John York General manager none Mascot Sourdough Sam League/Conference affiliations All-America Football Conference (1946-1949) Western Division (1946... Carmen Policy is an American football executive who is best known for his front office work for the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s and 1990s. ... Chris Palmer is a former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and former offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans. ... The University of Miami (also known as UM or just The U) is a private university founded in 1925 with its main campus in the city of Coral Gables in metropolitan Miami, Florida, in the United States. ... Paul Hilton Butch Davis, Jr. ... Terry Robiskie (born November 12, 1954 in New Orleans, LA) is the current wide receivers coach for the Cleveland Browns. ...

As Super Bowl XXXIX approached, there was much speculation over who would become the new head coach. On January 6, 2005, it was announced that Phil Savage signed on as general manager. Savage was previously an administrative member for the Baltimore Ravens and the Browns before 1995. After the New England Patriots victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl, Patriots' defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel signed on as the 11th head coach for the Browns. Robiskie was kept on as part of Crennel's staff. Date February 6, 2005 Stadium ALLTEL Stadium City Jacksonville, Florida MVP Deion Branch, Wide receiver Favorite Patriots by 7 National anthem Combined choirs of the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S... January 6 is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 359 days (360 in leap years) remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Phil Savage (born April 7, 1965 in Mobile, Alabama) was named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Cleveland Browns in January 2005. ... City Foxborough, Massachusetts Other nicknames The Pats Team colors Nautical Blue, New Century Silver, Red, and White Head Coach Bill Belichick Owner Robert Kraft General manager Bill Belichick Mascot Pat Patriot League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–69) Eastern Division (1960–69) National Football League (1970–present) American Football... City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Team colors Midnight Green, Black, White, and Silver Head Coach Andy Reid Owner Jeffrey Lurie General manager Tom Heckert Fight song Fly, Eagles Fly Mascot Swoop League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933-1949) American Conference (1950-1952) Eastern Conference (1953-1969) Capitol... Romeo Crennel (born June 18, 1947 in Lynchburg, Virginia) has been the head coach of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League since February 8, 2005. ...

With the Browns acquiring Trent Dilfer from the Seattle Seahawks and Reuben Droughns from the Denver Broncos, the Browns began 2005 on the wrong foot, losing 27-13 at home to their in-state rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. They would go on the road and pick up their first win of the year against the Green Bay Packers (26-24). After losing to the Indianapolis Colts (13-6), they used their Bye Week to regroup and pick up a comeback victory against the Chicago Bears (20-10). However, the Browns couldn't keep the momentum going from their win and dropped four of their next five games. A promising 22-0 shutout of the Miami Dolphins proved to be a mirage when the team lost its next three straight games. In the team's final five games, rookie Charlie Frye served as the team's starting quarterback, winning two of those contests. However, the two victories produced limited offense, while one humiliating 41-0 loss came at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 24. The Browns ended their 2005 campaign at 6-10, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for last place in the AFC North, though they technically finished in fourth place in the AFC North based on a worse division record than the Ravens (1-5 to Baltimore's 2-4). Trent Farris Dilfer (born March 13, 1972 in Santa Cruz, California) is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. He previously played for the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was traded from the Cleveland Browns in May 2006 for... City Seattle, Washington Team colors Pacific Blue, Navy Blue, Neon Green, White Head Coach Mike Holmgren Owner Paul Allen General manager Tim Ruskell Mascot Blitz, and Taima the augur hawk League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1976–present) American Football Conference (1977-2001) AFC West (1977-2001) National Football Conference... Reuben Droughns (born August 21, 1978 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League. ... City Denver, Colorado Other nicknames Orange Crush Team colors Orange, Broncos Navy Blue, and White[1] Head Coach Mike Shanahan Owner Pat Bowlen General manager Ted Sundquist Mascot Miles League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970... City Cincinnati, Ohio Team colors Black, Orange and White Head Coach Marvin Lewis Owner Mike Brown Mascot Who Dey League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1968-1969) Western Division (1968-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC Central (1970-2001) AFC North (2002-present) Team... City Green Bay, Wisconsin Team colors Dark Green, Gold, and White Head Coach Mike McCarthy Owner 111,967 stockholders Chairman Bob Harlan General manager Ted Thompson Fight song Go! You Packers! Go! League/Conference affiliations Independent (1919-1920) National Football League (1921–present) Western Division (1933-1949) National Conference (1950... City Indianapolis, Indiana Team colors Speed Blue and White Head Coach Tony Dungy Owner Jim Irsay General manager Bill Polian Mascot Blue League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1953–present) Western Conference (1953-1969) Coastal Division (1967-1969) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC East (1970-2001) AFC South (2002... City Chicago, Illinois Other nicknames Da Bears, The Monsters of the Midway Team colors Navy Blue, Orange and White Head Coach Lovie Smith Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey Chairman Michael McCaskey General manager Jerry Angelo Fight song Bear Down, Chicago Bears Mascot Staley Da Bear League/Conference affiliations Independent (1919) National... Charlie Frye (born August 28, 1981 in Willard, Ohio) is an American football quarterback who plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. ... City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Team colors Black and Gold Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owner Dan Rooney General manager Kevin Colbert League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943; 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football... December 24 is the 358th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (359th in leap years). ... The 2005 National Football League regular season began on Thursday, September 8, 2005 and ended on Sunday, January 1, 2006, New Years Day. ...

Just prior to the Browns' final game of the 2005 NFL season, the team's front office became embroiled in a major controversy that threatened to once again send the team into rebuilding mode. A reporter for ESPN went public with a story that Team president John Collins was going to fire general manager Phil Savage. The resulting uproar from fans and local media was so strong that it was Collins who resigned on January 3, 2006. The role of team "President and CEO" was vacated, with owner Randy Lerner filling in as de facto CEO for the time being. The 2005 National Football League regular season began on Thursday, September 8, 2005 and ended on Sunday, January 1, 2006, New Years Day. ... John Collins, (born November 27, 1961), was most recently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Browns football team until his resignation on January 3, 2006. ... Phil Savage (born April 7, 1965 in Mobile, Alabama) was named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Cleveland Browns in January 2005. ... January 3 is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ...

2006

Further information: 2006 Cleveland Browns season

The 2006 Cleveland Browns season began with the team attempting to improve upon their win-loss record from 2005, where the team ended the year at 6-10. ...

Trivia

• The Browns are one of only six NFL teams (along with the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars and expansion Houston Texans) never to have played in the Super Bowl. Of those six teams, only the Browns (if you don't count the "suspended" years), Lions and Cardinals have been in existence since before the first Super Bowl was played in January 1967.

• Cleveland is the only current NFL city whose franchise has never played in, or has hosted a Super Bowl. Due to the fact that Cleveland Browns Stadium is open-air, combined with Cleveland's typically cold winters, it is highly unlikely that Cleveland will host a Super Bowl.

• Cleveland is the only NFL city to have given birth to 3 existing NFL franchises - the Cleveland-Los Angeles-St. Louis Rams, the Cleveland Browns - Baltimore Ravens, and the existing Cleveland Browns.

City Detroit, Michigan Team colors Honolulu Blue, Silver, and Black Head Coach Rod Marinelli Owner William Clay Ford, Sr. ... City Glendale, Arizona Other nicknames The Cards, The Birds, Big Red Team colors Cardinal Red, Black, and White Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt Owner William V. Bidwill General manager Rod Graves Mascot Big Red League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1920–present) Western Division (1933-1949) American Conference (1950-1952) Eastern... City New Orleans, Louisiana Team colors Old Gold, Black, and White Head Coach Sean Payton Owner Tom Benson General manager Mickey Loomis Mascot Gumbo League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1967–present) Eastern Conference (1967-1969) Capitol Division (1967; 1969) Century Division (1968) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West... City Jacksonville, Florida Other nicknames The Jags Team colors Teal, Black, and Gold Head Coach Jack Del Rio Owner Wayne Weaver General manager James Harris Mascot Jaxson de Ville League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1995–present) American Football Conference (1995-present) AFC Central (1995-2001) AFC South (2002-present... City Houston, Texas Team colors Deep Steel Blue, Battle Red, and Liberty White Head Coach Gary Kubiak Owner Robert C. McNair General manager Rick Smith Mascot Toro League/Conference affiliations National Football League (2002–present) American Football Conference (2002-present) AFC South (2002-present) Team history Houston Texans (2002–present... The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

References

1. ^ Schneider, Russel (1999). The Best of the Cleveland Browns Memories. Hinckley, OH: Moonlight. ISBN 0-9672056-0-3. 
2. ^ Neft, David S., Cohen, Richard M., and Korch, Rick. The Complete History of Professional Football from 1892 to the Present. 1994 pg. 194

External links

• Cleveland Browns official web site
• Sports E-Cyclopedia.com