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Cleveland Browns: All-Time roster

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND - 1987: Defensive backs Hanford Dixon #29 and Frank Minnifield #31 of the Cleveland Browns draw plays in the dirt on the field before a game at Municipal Stadium circa 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND - 1987: Defensive backs Hanford Dixon #29 and Frank Minnifield #31 of the Cleveland Browns draw plays in the dirt on the field before a game at Municipal Stadium circa 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 2: Earl Campbell #34 of the Houston Oilers gets hit by Thom Darden #27 of the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game December 2, 1979 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Campbell played for the Oilers from 1978-84. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 2: Earl Campbell #34 of the Houston Oilers gets hit by Thom Darden #27 of the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game December 2, 1979 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Campbell played for the Oilers from 1978-84. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Safety — Thom Darden, T.J. Ward

The first safety on our all-time Browns roster is none other than the No. 18 pick in the 1972 NFL Draft Thom Darden. The former Michigan Wolverine played both safety positions, but was much better as a free safety for Cleveland. Darden ended up with 45 career interceptions, which is the most in Browns history.

His best season was in 1978 when he had an impressive 10 picks — which led the league. Darden just had a knack for finding the ball as he also recovered nine fumbles while in Cleveland.

Lined up opposite Darden is the 5-foot-10, 210-pound T.J. Ward. The second-round pick of the Browns in 2010 played strong safety but lasted just four seasons before moving on to join the Denver Broncos. There he made two Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. Currently, Ward is looking for work at 31-years of age, but was one of the best in the game during his time with Cleveland and Denver.

It didn’t take long for him to find his niche either. Ward recorded 123 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie and after being slowed by injuries the next couple seasons he was right back at it in 2013. That final season with the Browns he made his first Pro Bowl — his only in Cleveland — when he had 112 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two picks. Ward was best known for delivering the big hits and kept that reputation up throughout his time in Denver.

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