Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history
By Dan Justik
Fullback. (1957-1965). Jim Brown. 1. player. 53.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 1. Jim Brown
To most fans of the NFL, Jim Brown is the best to ever play running back in pro football. Many fans also believe that Brown is the greatest to ever put on pads and a helmet. Brown retired when he was in the middle of his prime, but his nine seasons with the Browns is full of accolades.
Brown’s rushing style was never seen before he arrived in pro football. Not only was he a powerful runner, Brown was also very elusive. The way he carried the football revolutionized the game of football forever.
Brown led the NFL in rushing yards in eight different seasons. Brown rushed for a career high 1,863 yards on 291 carries for an average of 6.4 yards per carry in 1963. He also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in five different seasons.
In his career, Brown rushed for 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns. Brown is 10th all-time in career rushing yards and fifth all-time in rushing touchdowns. Brown is the Browns’ all-time leader in every major rushing statistical category. He also amassed 2,499 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.
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Brown made the Pro Bowl every season of his career. He was also a first team All-Pro in all but one season of his career. Brown was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1963 and won three NFL MVP’s. He was named to the NFL 1960’s All-Decade Team and to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.