Cleveland Browns: Ranking the most important players since 1999

3. Josh Cribbs

Josh Cribbs, in his prime and while healthy, was electric for the Cleveland Browns. A running back from Northern Ohio’s own Kent State University, Cribbs would become a reliable punt returner forn the Browns throughout his career.

A college quarterback, Cribbs made the transition to running back and punt returner for the NFL. There, he found a knack for making men miss with his speed and elusiveness. Cribbs signed as an undrafted free agent for the Browns in 2005, which would begin a mostly beautiful eight-year marriage with the Dawg Pound.

Throughout his time in Cleveland, Cribbs had more than a few incredible punt returns. Off the field, he would become a great ambassador for the franchise, and he remains one to this day. Although he left in 2012, Cribbs retired in 2017, as a Cleveland Brown.

During the 2000s, Cribbs was easily one of the best players on the team, and one of their most marketable stars. Before the advent of Joe Thomas, Cribbs was something of a face of the Browns.

In addition to making the NFL’s all-decade team in 2010, Cribbs was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Dawg Pound. His career renaissance in Cleveland in 2012 was a great moment for both Cribbs himself and the fans that he would leave behind just a few months later.

Cribbs played his last professional game in 2014, and is remembered by most as a Cleveland Brown. He currently holds the NFL record for most kickoff return touchdowns at eight, although he is tied with Leon Washington.

Overall, Cribbs is a class act that Browns fans will not soon forget. He meets all three criteria, as he is still present at some Browns franchise events and he was one of their most exciting players throughout the 2000s. Additionally, he still holds a place in league history due to his tied records. On and off the field, Josh Cribbs is one of the best Browns presences since 1999.