Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history
By Dan Justik
13. player. 53. . Center. (1946-1956). Frank Gatski
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 13. Frank Gatski
Frank Gatski manned the middle of the Browns offensive line from 1946-1956 playing as the center. Usually not a position that generates attention from fans, Gatski was one of the best to ever play the center position in the NFL.
Known as “Gunner,” Gatski never missed a game or practice during his NFL career. He was not the starting center for the first two seasons of his career, spending time as the backup and playing as a linebacker. But in his first season as a starting center in 1948, he was a vital player in the Browns 15-0 season, capping it off with an AAFC Championship.
Gatski anchored the Cleveland offensive line during his 11 seasons with the team. He was the key man in protecting Otto Graham and played a huge role in helping a strong offensive unit. Gatski was a member of seven Browns championship teams, including three NFL Championships.
Gatski was named to the All-NFL honor roll four times, and he also played in one Pro Bowl in 1956, his final season in Cleveland. He is a part of the Browns Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1985.