Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history
By Dan Justik
Running Back. (1984-1988, 1994-1995). Earnest Byner. 29. player. 53.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 29. Earnest Byner
A fullback for East Carolina, no one expected Earnest Byner to have the NFL career he did. Back when the NFL Draft was much longer than it is today — but not as much of a spectacle — Byner had to wait until the 10th round to hear his name called by the Browns.
He quickly became a fan favorite in Cleveland. Byner was effective as not only a running back, but also blocking and running routes. On top of all that, he was used as a kick returner early on in his career. Heck, he even completed 3-of-10 career passes, all that went for scores.
In 1985, he and teammate Kevin Mack were dominate and were part of a duo that each topped 1,000 yards on the ground. A second-year back at the time, Byner topped the mark by just two yards, but added an additional 460 yards off 45 receptions.
Byner stayed effective for the Browns, but really broke out when he went to the Washington Redskins from 1989 through 1993. Cleveland brought him back after that stint and he continued to provide a versatile player. In 1995 he was good for 61 receptions, but then left for Baltimore with the franchise. He played two more seasons as a Raven before retiring.
He was also an iron man. From 1988 through 1997, Byner missed no games at all. During his 14-season career, he missed just 13 games, which all came in 1986 and 1987.