Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 22. Mac Speedie

Next on the list is a player who was part of the Browns even before they were with the NFL. Mac Speedie was with the Browns from 1946 through 1952 and managed to make two Pro Bowls during his time.

A member of the 1940s All-Decade Team, he was a complete wide receiver according to Mike Pettica of Cleveland.com, Speedie, but had a different running style as he struggled with one leg longer than another. He had to wear a brace that aided with his condition:

"“The 6-3 Speedie, an excellent blocker, played at about 200 pounds. He ran precise pass routes, had moves that confounded defenders and caught most everything that came his way. He was fast and extremely athletic, one of the nation’s premier hurdlers in both high school and college. He accomplished all that he did despite having an awkward-looking running style. One of Speedie’s legs was shorter than the other, the result of having to wear a leg brace for a few years when he was a youth. The brace was worn to correct a condition in which a growth or loss of bone mass in a hip joint affects the blood supply to that area of the hip.” — Peticca, Cleveland.com"

Speedie dominated as a receiver for a run-first team and many believe he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions. Maybe one day he will be, but Browns fans know he was a huge part of their history.