Cleveland Browns: Fan base rated No. 173 in the world

FanSided’s Fandom 250 ranking have placed Cleveland Browns fans as the No. 173 overall fan base in the entire world.

Cleveland Browns fans may be tortured, but they sure are loyal. While those in Cleveland may consider this fan base to be one of the best in the NFL, FanSided placed this bunch among the best in the world.

FanSided released its Fandom 250 rankings today, ranking the top 250 fan bases in all areas of entertainment and pop culture. Browns fans came in at No. 173.

While this ranking may seem low, it is important to remember that it takes all areas of entertainment into account. Although I personally have a problem with Jane Austen coming in ahead of the Browns at No. 172. I don’t see Jane Austen fans pounding beers at 6 a.m. in the name of sophisticated literature.

Related Story: FanSided's Fandom 250

The Browns did finish two spots ahead of the New York Jets, so at least there is that to brag about. And after last night’s Monday night debacle against the Indianapolis Colts, it is hard to blame Jets fans if they aren’t feeling the J-E-T-S spirit.

If this ranking system were done before 1999, Browns fans would surely find a higher spot on the list. But no matter how hard these fans root for the team, nothing ever seems to get better. That does not diminish the passion displayed by this fan base every year, but the group has been out of the limelight for too long, which explains this lower ranking. In the national view, being a Browns fan is a masochistic endeavor.

But us Browns fans know how passionate we are for this frustrating football team, and no national ranking can take away the hope of seeing this team succeed. The only thing that could take it away would be actual wins replacing the hope.

Be sure to check out the entirety of the Fandom 250 rankings, as there are a lot of fun inclusions on the list.

Next: Terrelle Pryor key to a victory

What do you think of the Browns coming in at No. 173? Too low? Too high?