Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 10. Len Ford

Len Ford was the first of two Browns defensive players to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ford made his impact as a defensive end with the Browns when he joined the team in 1950 until he was traded to the Packers before the 1958 season.

Ford was such a dominating presence as a defensive end, the Browns changed their defensive alignment in order to fully maximize Ford’s talents. Ford’s presence helped the Browns defense become one of the best defenses in that era.

But prior to being one of the best defensive players of his era, Ford was a very good receiver. Prior to joining the Browns, Ford played two seasons for the Los Angeles Dons as what would now be known as tight end. In those two seasons, he caught 67 passes for 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns.

During his time with the Browns, Ford was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1951-1954. He was also named a first team All-Pro in that same time span. While with the Browns, he won three NFL Championships.

Ford is a member of the NFL’s 1950’s All-Decade team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976.