Cleveland Browns: Top 5 running backs in franchise history
3. Marion Motley (1946-1953)
Marion Motley is, truly, one of the pioneers of both his age, and the game of football as a whole. Playing for the Browns from their inception in 1946, until 1953, Motley is one of the greatest players the Browns have ever seen, at more than one position.
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Of course, Motley is known for his time as a running back. As the Browns’ chief runner during his career, Motley rushed for over 4,700 yards, scored 31 touchdowns, and averaged 5.7 yards per attempt.
Oh, and he was also a linebacker during his career. The athleticism, skill, and stamina that it takes to play both fullback and linebacker is incredible. Motley collected two interceptions during his career along with nine forced fumbles. As a dual-position athlete at the sport’s top level, Motley is no-doubt deserving of a spot on the list.
2. Leroy Kelly (1964-1973)
Leroy Kelly is not only one of the most productive running backs in Browns history, but in the history of the league. The sheer statistical measures by which Kelly dominated the league in the 1960s and 70s is truly something to behold.
As both a running back and a receiver, Kelly helped to strengthen the Browns’ offense in more ways than one. As a receiver, Kelly caught 190 passes in his career for a total of 2,281 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a running back, Kelly’s numbers, for their time at least, are eye-popping.
Throughout his ten year career, Kelly rushed for a grand total of 74 touchdowns, 7,274 yards, for an average of 4.2 yards per carry.