Top 10 Greatest Browns Ever
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10.
Name: Dante Lavelli
Position: Wide Receiver
Dates: 1946-1956
Years with Browns: 10
Hall of Fame: Class of 1975As a wide receiver, you don't earn the nickname "gluefingers" without being consistently great.
Dante Lavelli was that and then some, and his consistency lands him at number ten on the countdown.
Dante Lavelli was the first "clutch" wide receiver professional football has ever seen. Lavelli's rapport with quarterback Otto Graham was a big reason the Browns were virtually unbeatable from 1946 to 1949. Together, the two men took the All American Football Conference by storm—orchestrating Paul Brown's offense to perfection.
The Cleveland Browns likely wouldn't have attained the level of success had it not been for Lavelli. His timely receptions and consistent play make Dante Lavelli one of the greatest wideouts to ever play the game.
9.
Name: Bernie Kosar
Position: Quarterback
Dates: 1985-1993
Years with Browns: Nine
Hall of Fame: NoIt can be argued no single player has done more for the Cleveland Browns than Bernie Kosar.
Kosar and the Cleveland Browns were a match made in heaven. The Boardman, Ohio native and lifelong Browns fan came to the team during a period of quarterback instability and mediocre team play. In his second and third years with the Browns, Kosar lead the Browns to the back-to-back AFC Championship games.
More than anything, Kosar and his Browns teams of the late 80s created a buzz among Browns fans the likes of which few have ever done before.
Bernie's greatness may have never produced any rings, but he provided fans with the optimism and hope that has become characteristic of Browns fans.
8.
Name: Leroy Kelly
Position: Running Back
Dates: 1964-1973
Years with Browns: 10
Hall of Fame: Class of 1994Few players in Cleveland Browns history have shown the heart and determination of Leroy Kelly.
During his ten year career with the Browns, Leroy Kelly was faced with every conceivable obstacle working against him. In addition to his relatively small frame (6'0", 201 pounds) Kelly faced the daunting task of replacing one of the greatest Cleveland Browns of all time. He was asked to do so during a period in time when civil unrest was at an all-time high.
He answered the call.
During his first full season as the feature back, Kelly amassed 1,507 all-purpose yards while accounting for 16 total touchdowns. He went on to make the Pro Bowl six times in 10 years, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Kelly's exceptional balance and agility showed up in other facets of the game as well.
Leroy Kelly was one of the first dynamic return men in Cleveland Browns history. His pension for punt returns effectively made him the godfather of Browns special teams—a tradition that has managed to stay alive ever since.
7.
Name: Gene Hickerson
Position: Offensive Guard
Dates: 1958-1973
Years with Browns: 15
Hall of Fame: Class of 2007A big reason Cleveland Browns teams of the 1960s were so successful was the power running game complimenting the vertical passing game. Neither would have succeeded had it not been for strong efforts from offensive lineman.
Enter Gene Hickerson.
Hickerson helped set a standard for greatness held by offensive lineman today.
Gene’s accomplishments will never show up in the record books, but evidence of his greatness is all around him. Hickerson blocked for some of the games greatest running backs and quarterbacks over his illustrious 15-year career with the Browns.
He did so without gaining the recognition he so deserved - only elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame two years ago.
Hickerson anchored the Browns' offensive line for nearly two decades, and it is this reason he is recognized as the seventh greatest Cleveland Brown of all-tim
6.
Name: Ozzie Newsome
Position: Tight End
Dates: 1978-1990
Years with Browns: 13
Hall of Fame: Class of 1999Any conversation mentioning the greatest tight ends to ever play the game must include the sixth greatest Cleveland Brown of all time: Ozzie Newsome.
No single player in Browns history has played a bigger role in Cleveland’s infamous mishaps than “The Wizard of Oz.” Newsome was the receiver on the opposite end of Sipe’s pass in the play simply known as “Red-Right-88.” He was there for “The Drive” and he saw Earnest Byner’s “Fumble.”
Ozzie Newsome was an intricate member of the “Cardiac Kids” teams of the 80s, and his acrobatic catches provided fans with hope and excitement.
As the NFL became more popular in the 1980s, it became increasingly rare to see one player spend his entire career with one organization. The Hall of Fame tight end could have played for a championship contender, but he chose to stay in Cleveland instead.
That fact alone makes Newsome one of the greatest players the Browns have ever seen.
5.
Name: Bill Willis
Position: Defensive Tackle
Dates: 1946-1953
Years with Browns: Seven
Hall of Fame: Class of 1977Every successful dynasty needs a capable defense, and the Browns of the early 1950s were no exception.
Paul Brown’s defense was anchored by several future Hall of Famers, but no player stood out quite like Hall of Fame defensive tackle Bill Willis.
What the 6’0, 200 pound Willis lacked in size, he made up for in heart. As one of the first black players in the NFL, Willis played the game with a chip on his shoulder. His emphasis on tackling technique and leverage helped him earn a reputation as one of the surest tacklers of his era.
Willis was one of the of the football players brought over from Ohio State under coach Paul Brown. Brown always believed the best player for the job would start on his teams. Willis’ hard work earned him a place on the Browns’ roster.
The spirit Willis embodied is alive today in player competition throughout the NFL. That competition would have never taken place had it not been for trailblazers like Willis, and the changes he helped inspire transcend the game of football.
4.
Name: Lou Groza
Position: Offensive Tackle, Kicker
Dates: 1946-1959, 1961-1967
Years with Browns: 21
Hall of Fame: Class of 1974Twenty-one years.
That’s how long the fourth greatest Cleveland Brown spent in the NFL – all with the same franchise.
Part time kicker and offensive lineman Lou “The Toe” Groza demonstrated toughness and a dedication to the Browns that will never be matched.
The most amazing thing about Groza is his unique combination of positions. During the 1950s, standard practice allowed players fill multiple positions on the roster. Groza was an excellent offensive lineman, and was named all-pro for his efforts.
On top of that, Groza was arguably the most clutch kicker in Browns’ history – securing championships and icing games with game-winning kick after game-winning kick.
There was a reason Groza earned the nickname “The Toe.”
A local product from Ohio State, Groza spent his entire year with Paul Brown and the Cleveland Browns. His life-long dedication to the team and his contributions to Cleveland’s championship history makes Lou Groza the fourth greatest Brown of all time.
3.
Name: Marion Motley
Position: Running Back
Dates: 1946-1953
Years with Browns: Seven
Hall of Fame: Class of 1968Few Browns fans recognize the name Marion Motley and even fewer acknowledge him as one of the great names in franchise history.
Marion Motley was the first bruiser in Cleveland Browns’ history. As Paul Brown’s go-to runner, Motley shouldered the load for the championship teams of the 40s and 50s.
Motley dominated the competition with his size and strength as a runner. He had great speed for a man of his size, and he utilized those extraordinary gifts by leading the Browns to five of their eight league championships.
Motley provided the foundation for Cleveland’s traditionally strong running game. However, his contributions to the Browns run deeper than that.
Along with Bill Willis, Marion Motley was one of the first African American football players to play football at the professional level. The bruising fullback helped clear the way for so many of the great black players that shaped the game into what it is today.
Motley played an instrumental role in the integration of professional football. He did all of that as a Cleveland Brown, which is why he deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest Browns of all time.
2.
Name: Otto Graham
Position: Quarterback
Dates: 1946-1955
Years with Browns: 10
Hall of Fame: Class of 1965Coming in at No. 2 is arguably the greatest quarterback in Cleveland Browns’ history.
“Automatic” Otto Graham was in many ways the father of the modern passing game. As the first ever quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, Graham was faced with the daunting task of learning and orchestrating Paul Brown’s complex offensive system.
Graham responded to the task, leading the Browns an unprecedented seven championships while compiling a 105-17-4 record in his ten seasons with the team. In five of those seasons, Graham lead his league in passing yardage and was crowned League MVP in three.
More importantly, Otto Graham embodied everything that has come to be associated with franchise quarterbacks.
Off the field, Graham lead the perfect life: The upstanding citizen who appeared in movies, commercials, and product endorsements. The perfect role model, Graham set the bar for not only future quarterbacks, but future Browns as well.
For orchestrating the first dynasty in franchise history and providing a shining example of what it means to quarterback the Browns, “Automatic” Otto Graham is awarded this prestigious place in Cleveland Browns’ history.
1.
Name: Jim Brown
Position: Running Back
Dates: 1957-1965
Years with Browns: Nine
Hall of Fame: Class of 1971It should come as no surprise that the greatest football player to ever play the game is also recognized as the greatest Cleveland Browns player of all time.
On the football field, the enigma known as Jim Brown had no equal. Buried deep within that chiseled 6’2", 232-pound frame lay the perfect combination of brute strength, soft hands, agility, balance, and unparalleled toughness. Brown used those traits over the course of his dynamic NFL career to set a standard of greatness still upheld today.
Jim Brown turned the Cleveland Browns’ record books into his personal diary. He still holds dozens of team records, most notably the single-season rushing record (1,863 yards) and the franchise mark for yards in a career (12,312 yards).
Brown finished his career with an astounding 5.2 yards per carry average. He was named league MVP three times in his nine years, and he lead the Browns to their most recent league championship trophy in 1964.
On top of that, Brown made the Pro Bowl in each of his nine seasons in the league.
He never missed a game.
Had Brown not decided to retire at the tender age of 29, he likely would have possessed every rushing record not only in Cleveland’s record books, but Canton’s as well.
Without question, Jim Brown is the greatest football player to ever play the game. His devotion to Cleveland Browns football in the 1960s makes him the greatest player in franchise history.
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can't argue with anyone on your list. there are so many other great players and fan favorites that we could extend that list to at least 25.
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Brian Sipe
WSS
www.westsidesteve.com www.myspace.com/westsidestevemusic www.cdbaby.com/artist/westsidestevesimmons -
can't argue with anyone on your list. there are so many other great players and fan favorites that we could extend that list to at least 25.
can't argue with anyone on your list. there are so many other great players and fan favorites that we could extend that list to at least 25.
Gone soft? lol... well someone has to argue...
I'll keep Hickerson, Newsome, Motley, Graham (duh), and Brown (double-duh).
I'll lose Lavelli, Willis, Kosar, Kelly and Groza, and substitute... in no particular order...
Jerry Sherk
Had it not been for injury, IMO Jerry would be widely considered the greatest D-lineman the Browns have ever had. I already consider him to be. For four years in the middle of his career he dominated the trenches like no Brown, and few players on any team, I've seen.
Paul Warfield
Most gifted and graceful WR to ever suit up for us. Not his fault that we pissed him away to draft... ugh... Mike Phipps.
Clay Mathews, Jr.
Our impact player at LB for more years than any other player at any position. Prolly my biggest reach here, but I loved the guy, and his longevity is unparalleled. Also part of the best bloodline in NFL history.
Joe Thomas
Already a lock for first ballot induction, Joe belongs on the short list of elite LT's to ever play in the league, so he certainly belongs on this list.
Thom Darden
The career leader in interceptions (45) on a team with more than a few great DB's in their history. And one of the hardest hitting Safeties to ever play. I was tempted to opt for Hanford Dixon, but the INT's give Thom my nod.
"When you have a shared vision it is a lot easier to make unpopular decisions." - Paul DePodesta "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." - Paul Brown Complete 2017 Browns Board Mock: http://thebrownsboard.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=46196 -
can't argue with anyone on your list. there are so many other great players and fan favorites that we could extend that list to at least 25.
Gone soft? lol... well someone has to argue...
I'll keep Hickerson, Newsome, Motley, Graham (duh), and Brown (double-duh).
I'll lose Lavelli, Willis, Kosar, Kelly and Groza, and substitute... in no particular order...
Jerry Sherk
Had it not been for injury, IMO Jerry would be widely considered the greatest D-lineman the Browns have ever had. I already consider him to be. For four years in the middle of his career he dominated the trenches like no Brown, and few players on any team, I've seen.
Paul Warfield
Most gifted and graceful WR to ever suit up for us. Not his fault that we pissed him away to draft... ugh... Mike Phipps.
Clay Mathews, Jr.
Our impact player at LB for more years than any other player at any position. Prolly my biggest reach here, but I loved the guy, and his longevity is unparalleled. Also part of the best bloodline in NFL history.
Joe Thomas
Already a lock for first ballot induction, Joe belongs on the short list of elite LT's to ever play in the league, so he certainly belongs on this list.
Thom Darden
The career leader in interceptions (45) on a team with more than a few great DB's in their history. And one of the hardest hitting Safeties to ever play. I was tempted to opt for Hanford Dixon, but the INT's give Thom my nod.
Gone soft? lol... well someone has to argue...
I'll keep Hickerson, Newsome, Motley, Graham (duh), and Brown (double-duh).
I'll lose Lavelli, Willis, Kosar, Kelly and Groza, and substitute... in no particular order...
Jerry Sherk
Had it not been for injury, IMO Jerry would be widely considered the greatest D-lineman the Browns have ever had. I already consider him to be. For four years in the middle of his career he dominated the trenches like. no Brown, and few players on any team, I've seen.
Paul Warfield
Most gifted and graceful WR to ever suit up for us. Not his fault that we pissed him away to draft... ugh... Mike Phipps.
Clay Mathews, Jr.
Our impact player at LB for more years than any other player at any position. Prolly my biggest reach here, but I loved the guy, and his longevity is unparalleled. Also part of the best bloodline in NFL history.
Joe Thomas
Already a lock for first ballot induction, Joe belongs on the short list of elite LT's to ever play in the league, so he certainly belongs on this list.
Thom Darden
The career leader in interceptions (45) on a team with more than a few great DB's in their history. And one of the hardest hitting Safeties to ever play. I was tempted to opt for Hanford Dixon, but the INT's give Thom my nod.
You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
This shit ain't nothing to me, man. -
Brian Sipe
WSS
Brian Sipe failed to win a single playoff game for the Browns. MVP means nothing. Brian Sipe, meh, who gives a crap. Kosar failed epically three times in the AFC conference game but at least we got there.Brian Sipe
WSS
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Who would be the Top 10 off all time not in the Hall of Fame??? I will take a shot of the top of my head
10. Brian Sipe
9. Chip Banks
8. Eric Turner
7. Jim Houston
6. Michael Dean Perry
5. Joe Thomas
4. Clay Matthews Jr
3. Dixon/ Minnefield
2. Gary Collins
1. Bernie Kosar
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Gone soft? lol... well someone has to argue...
I'll keep Hickerson, Newsome, Motley, Graham (duh), and Brown (double-duh).
I'll lose Lavelli, Willis, Kosar, Kelly and Groza, and substitute... in no particular order...
Jerry Sherk
Had it not been for injury, IMO Jerry would be widely considered the greatest D-lineman the Browns have ever had. I already consider him to be. For four years in the middle of his career he dominated the trenches like. no Brown, and few players on any team, I've seen.
Paul Warfield
Most gifted and graceful WR to ever suit up for us. Not his fault that we pissed him away to draft... ugh... Mike Phipps.
Clay Mathews, Jr.
Our impact player at LB for more years than any other player at any position. Prolly my biggest reach here, but I loved the guy, and his longevity is unparalleled. Also part of the best bloodline in NFL history.
Joe Thomas
Already a lock for first ballot induction, Joe belongs on the short list of elite LT's to ever play in the league, so he certainly belongs on this list.
Thom Darden
The career leader in interceptions (45) on a team with more than a few great DB's in their history. And one of the hardest hitting Safeties to ever play. I was tempted to opt for Hanford Dixon, but the INT's give Thom my nod.
You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
I feel the respect...
It's probably owed more to my age than my wisdom since I clearly remember a Browns era with more success than you do.Make a list of beloved Browns and Bernie is a class by himself.
Make a list of position impact on a team, and QB is far a away #1.
But this is a list of "greatest" Browns.
When you are the best in the league at your postion in your era, or even a piece of your era, that is greatness. Joe is; Bernie never was.
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You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
I feel the respect...
It's probably owed more to my age than my wisdom since I clearly remember a Browns era with more success than you do.Make a list of beloved Browns and Bernie is a class by himself.
Make a list of position impact on a team, and QB is far a away #1.
But this is a list of "greatest" Browns.
When you are the best in the league at your postion in your era, or even a piece of your era, that is greatness. Joe is; Bernie never was.
I feel the respect...
It's probably owed more to my age than my wisdom since I clearly remember a Browns era with more success than you do.Make a list of beloved Browns and Bernie is a class by himself.
Make a list of position impact on a team, and QB is far a away #1.
But this is a list of "greatest" Browns.
When you are the best in the league at your postion in your era, or even a piece of your era, that is greatness. Joe is; Bernie never was.
excellent point. I hope we don't get booted off the board for this blasphemy...
WSS
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Is the greatest Brown then, solely dependant on hall of fame status? A hall of fame lineman can easily fail to be more worthwhile to a team than an above average quarterback who was not the best. I would trade Joe Thomas right this second to the Steelers even to have an updated version of Kosar and Slaughter neither of which are in the hall of fame.
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can't argue with anyone on your list. there are so many other great players and fan favorites that we could extend that list to at least 25.
can't argue with anyone on your list. there are so many other great players and fan favorites that we could extend that list to at least 25.
You could argue that Paul Warfield and Len Ford and Frank Gatski should be in the top 10....but the original list is still a good list.
Someday, one day it may be that JT should be on the list once his career is over....as he probably measures up to any offensive lineman the Browns have ever had.
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Per the PFR Career Average statistic...which is supposed to measure a player's overall production, the best Non Hall of Famers to play for the Browns are as follows. The number in front of their name represents their overall position as a Browns player (any gaps in the numbering means that a Hall of Fame player filled that gap):
#2 Clay Matthews
#5 Dick Shafrath
#7 Doug Dieken
#10 Walt Michaels
#12 Bob Gain
#14 Jim Houston
#15 Brian Sipe
#16 Clarence Scott
#17 Walter Johnson
#18 Vince Costello
#19 Hanford Dixon
#20 Galen Fiss
#21 Greg Pruitt
#22 Cody Risien
#23 Frank Ryan
#24 Don Colo
#25 Michael Dean Perry
#27 Jerry Sherk
#28 Paul Wiggin
#29 Milt Morin
#30 Ray Renfro
#31 Gary Collins
#32 Bernie Kosar
#33 Warren Lahr
#34 Jim Ray Smith
#35 Frank Minniefield
(the HOFers that fill the gaps are: Jim Brown, Groza, Hickerson, Ford, Newsome, Kelley, Graham, MacCormack, Gatski)
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Quick trivia. How many Browns are in the HOF vs. how many Steelers
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24-20 Browns take away Coaches and Owners it is 22-16 Browns
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the problem with this topic is are we talking stats or are we talking fan faves who people of certain ages watched and reverred them.
sipe, warfield, newsome, kelly and even dharden when i first started watching.
hoard, turner, byner, mack, kosar the kid from michagan DA, and that's just on offense.
of course this is from ,y mindset seeing them play.......
not to say there weren't 10 HOFs in front of these guys.
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Gone soft? lol... well someone has to argue...
I'll keep Hickerson, Newsome, Motley, Graham (duh), and Brown (double-duh).
I'll lose Lavelli, Willis, Kosar, Kelly and Groza, and substitute... in no particular order...
Jerry Sherk
Had it not been for injury, IMO Jerry would be widely considered the greatest D-lineman the Browns have ever had. I already consider him to be. For four years in the middle of his career he dominated the trenches like. no Brown, and few players on any team, I've seen.
Paul Warfield
Most gifted and graceful WR to ever suit up for us. Not his fault that we pissed him away to draft... ugh... Mike Phipps.
Clay Mathews, Jr.
Our impact player at LB for more years than any other player at any position. Prolly my biggest reach here, but I loved the guy, and his longevity is unparalleled. Also part of the best bloodline in NFL history.
Joe Thomas
Already a lock for first ballot induction, Joe belongs on the short list of elite LT's to ever play in the league, so he certainly belongs on this list.
Thom Darden
The career leader in interceptions (45) on a team with more than a few great DB's in their history. And one of the hardest hitting Safeties to ever play. I was tempted to opt for Hanford Dixon, but the INT's give Thom my nod.
You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
Ask Tim Couch how worthless a LT is.
I'm awesome, and I fuck dolphins. Ghoolie 12/2/2012: I have absolutely no skills, training or pride -
You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
Ask Tim Couch how worthless a LT is.
Ask Tim Couch how worthless a LT is.
or how worthless his was and how important an Oline IS.
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You're out of your mind, respectfully, to put any of those guys but especially Joe Thomas over Kosar. Kosar was the only reason the browns had ANY success in my whole entire life. What impact has Joe Thomas made? None, because a LT is worthless without a quarterback to protect.
Ask Tim Couch how worthless a LT is.
Ask Tim Couch how worthless a LT is.
Ask The Browns fanbase how much if a difference our LT makes. Go ahead, ask. Because with a hof LT like Joe Thomas we should be in the playoffs right? Right?
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