The Cleveland Browns have a long and storied franchise. They originally began playing in the All-America Football conference back in 1946 and played four seasons there. They were completely dominate during that era of their history.
Cleveland won AAFC Championships in all four seasons and in 1950 they joined the NFL. They continued their winning ways there as well, wrapping up an NFL Championship in 1950. They achieved three more, winning one in 1945, 1955 and 1964.
Unfortunately, since the Super Bowl era, the Browns haven’t tasted as much success. They’ve not only never won another title since the championship game changed names in 1967, but they’ve also never even been to a Super Bowl.
Even so, they’re a beloved team that even had to be brought back. After Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore, the NFL was smart enough to bring them back a few years later, and they picked up where they left off, keeping their long history.
During this long span of winning and eventual futility, the Browns have had some great players. Here we look at the top-30 of all-time to play in Cleveland.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 30. Gary Collins
The first player to get highlighted in our top-30 Browns players of all-time is one of the original ‘slash’ players. In 1962, Cleveland used the No. 4 overall pick on a 6-foot-5 wide receiver out of Maryland, Gary Collins. He didn’t help them at just one position though.
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Collins was the team’s primary punter from his rookie season until 1967. He still kicked a couple of times after that but wasn’t their main option. As good as he was catching the ball, Collins was just as talented kicking it away.
He averaged more than 40-yards per punt for his career, with a personal best 46.7 in 1965. That happened to be one of the three seasons he was named to the All-Pro team and one of two he was honored as a Pro Bowl player.
Where Collins really made his mark though was as a pass catcher. He led the NFL in touchdowns in 1963 when he brought down 13. He hit double digits three other times and finished his career with 70 touchdowns for the Browns.
Back in the day of run-heavy football, Collins never topped 1,000-yards as a receiver, but he proved to be a reliable player that seemed to always come down with the key receptions.
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.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 28. Phil Dawson
A placekicker makes the list as Phil Dawson comes in here at No. 28. Dawson was undrafted out of Texas back in 1998 — before the Browns even came back into the NFL. He spent that season with the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots, but never got off the practice squad and on to a 53-man regular season roster.
The following year the Browns were back in the league and they had a roster to build. They called the former Texas standout and he won the job with them as the kicker. That was a position he held for the next 14 years.
During that span he made 84 percent of his kicks and leads the franchise all-time with 305 connections — according to Pro Football Reference
Dawson left following a Pro Bowl season in 2012 and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was there for four seasons before going to Arizona where he still plays at 43-years of age.
The former Browns kicker even has a rule named after him after officials wanted kicks hitting the crossbar to be reviewed. This took place after a controversial kick from Dawson was ‘discussed’ and changed from a miss to a make in a game where the Browns beat the Ravens in overtime — thanks to Dawson’s kick that was overturned.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 27. Webster Slaughter
A two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, Webster Slaughter would likely be higher up this list had he been with the team longer. Originally drafted in the second-round of the 1986 NFL Draft out of San Diego State, Slaughter was with the Browns from 1986-1991 before spending three seasons with the Houston Oilers.
He was then a journeyman the remainder of his career, playing for three different teams to end his time in the NFL. His best season ever for Cleveland was in 1989 when he made his lone Pro Bowl appearance for them — his other trip came in 1993 for the Oilers. Slaughter was also named to the All-Pro team when he went off for 1,236 yards off 65 receptions including his career-high 97 yards off one catch.
Slaughter averaged 19 yards per receptions that year, which was also a best for him in a single season. During his six years with the Browns, he recorded 4,834 yards and 27 touchdowns off 305 receptions. Outside of his strong 1993 and 1994 campaigns for the Oilers, Slaughter was never really as dangerous as he was during his final three seasons in Cleveland.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 26. Michael Dean Perry
All-Pro defensive lineman Michael Dean Perry was famous for a couple of things beyond his great play for the Browns. One is he was the younger brother of William ‘the Refrigerator’ Perry. The second is that he himself became so popular that the McDonald’s in the Cleveland-area started offering the MDP Burger.
And according to Kelly Terranova, it’s one of the sandwiches that the mega-burger chain should consider bringing back:
"“Michael Dean Perry was a Browns All-Pro Defensive End and the namesake of the MDP Burger. It featured pretty much the same ingredients as the Big Mac, but it had three patties (instead of two) and came on a elongated sesame seed (there they are again) bun, like the McRib. If they brought this one back and you ordered it today, there is a fair chance that the real Michael Dean Perry just might actually be the guy who grills it up for you.” — Terranove, Worry Free Comedy Blog"
Perry spent seven seasons with the Browns, who took him in the second round out of Clemson. He spent most of his career at defensive tackle and was well known for his ability to get after opposing quarterbacks.
He finished his career in 1997 with the Kansas City Chiefs but played in just one game for them. Before that, he was with the Denver Broncos from 1995 through the beginning of the 1997 season.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 25. Greg Pruitt
Another second-round pick makes the list as we also have our second running back. Greg Pruitt was taken at No. 30 overall back in 1973 out of Oklahoma. He would remain with the Browns from then until 1981. In those nine seasons he was an effective runner and helped the Browns on both kickoff and punt returns.
Pruitt made the Pro Bowl five different times in his career, four of those while wearing the orange and brown in Cleveland. He went on to the Los Angeles Raiders for two more seasons, making another Pro Bowl and winning Super Bowl XVIII.
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Like the aforementioned Phil Dawson, Pruitt had rules changed because of him. Pruitt was famous for his tearaway jersey, which would rip in opponent’s hands. Andrew Gribble of the team’s official website dug deeper into how often Pruitt would have to change his jersey and how it came to fruition that he would put one on for each game.
"“The credit goes to legendary coach Barry Switzer, who gave Pruitt a T-shirt with “Hello” on the front and “Goodbye” on the back shortly before the Sooners’ 1971 showdown with USC. Reporters caught Pruitt wearing it as he went to class, and USC quickly caught wind of the star running back’s obvious confidence heading into such a big game.” — Andrew Gribble, ClevelandBrowns.com"
The jerseys are now illegal, often referred to as the Gregg Pruitt rule. Although giving all the credit to his jersey for his three-straight 1,000-yard seasons from 1975-1977 would be incorrect. Pruitt was a great player without it and was already elusive. It just gave him that little extra something from time to time.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 24. Ray Renfro
Wide receiver Ray Renfro spent 12 seasons with the Browns from 1952 through 1963. Drafted in the fourth round in 1952 out of North Texas, Renfro was known for his incredible speed.
He averaged nearly 20 yards per catch throughout his career, including a sensational campaign in 1957 when he had 28 yards per grab. He was said to be “diseased with speed” by Bob Barnett & Bob Carroll Bob Barnett and Bob Carroll, who wrote a story titled Ray Renfro: Speed Story.
"“Ray Renfro was diseased with speed. Of course, it took more than speed to make Renfro one of the great offensive weapons during pro football’s so-called “Golden Age,” the 1950’s. When he first joined the Browns in 1952 from North Texas State, they were already a championship team loaded with superstars. Coach Paul Brown wasn’t quite sure what to do with a raw rookie who had so much to learn and was just a tad small. Still, the youngster liked contact, and he had all that speed. “ — Barnett and Carroll, The Coffin Corner"
Renfro got into coaching after his time with the Browns and his son, Mike Renfro, was a wide receiver for the Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 23. Brian Sipe
Another player who would have been undrafted in today’s NFL, quarterback Brian Sipe lasted until the 13th round of the 1972 NFL Draft after a career at San Diego State. At just 6-foot-1 and 195-pounds, the undersized Sipe had to sit and wait his turn to start for the Browns.
That finally came in 1976 when he started 12 of 14 games for Cleveland. The Browns won seven of those contests and Sipe showed his promise. He remained their primary starter until 1983, going 57-55 in that span and finishing with 154 touchdowns and 149 picks.
His best season was 1980 when he had a fantastic season for one of the most-beloved Browns teams of all-time. Sipe finished that year with 4,132 yards and 30 touchdown passes — with just 14 picks. It was by far his best statistical season and the Browns just missed out on the Super Bowl that season on the infamous ‘Red Right 88’ play.
Instead of attempting a potential game-winning field goal, Sipe and the Browns tool to the field to go for a touchdown — apparently feeling it was less risky than a kick in the poor weather. The result was an interception by safety Mike Davis, which ended their chances at making the big game. To this day, it was the most heartbreaking loss in the history of the Browns.
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.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 21. Josh Cribbs
For younger Browns fans, there may be no player in recent memory that was more fun to watch than Josh Cribbs. Listed as a wide receiver, Cribbs got in on the action in more ways than most players to don the orange and brown.
He was a former quarterback at Kent State that signed as an undrafted free agent with Cleveland in 2005 and they owed him to wide receiver. He played there, at running back and quarterback for the Browns, but it was as a return man that he made his mark.
Cribbs has the most kickoff return yards in Cleveland history with 8,837. He’s also set marks for the most all-purpose yards in a single season when he had 2,510 total yards in 2009 and has the most all-purpose yards in Browns’ history with 12,343.
From 2005-2012 he also managed to record 11 touchdowns as a return man between punt and kickoff returns. Unfortunately, the electric Cribbs was never part of a winning franchise and had to do most of his work during the team’s down seasons.
After his eight years with the Browns, Cribbs played for a season with the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets before calling it a career. Cribbs is back now with the Browns as a coaching intern, hoping to turn around the franchise he gave so much to as a player.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 20. Bernie Kosar
There was a lot of controversy around Bernie Kosar entering the 1985 NFL Draft. To sum it up, Kosar wanted to go home and play for the Browns, and teams like the Minnesota Vikings were trying to get in position to secure the services of the 1983 national champion quarterback from the University of Miami.
In the end, Kosar wound up entering the 1985 NFL Supplemental Draft and he got his wish. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Kosar wasn’t shy about wanting to play for the Browns. Then Cleveland spent a first-round pick in that Supplemental Draft to secure his services.
Kosar joined the Browns in 1985 and quickly became a starter. After a learning curve as a rookie, Kosar broke out in year two, leading the team to a 12-4 season. He led them to winning campaigns the next three seasons following that until he and the Browns finally hit a wall.
Eventually Kosar was benched in favor of Vinny Testaverde and not long after that he was released. He was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys and even won a post-season game for them and got himself a Super Bowl win. Kosar finished his career with the Miami Dolphins, but will always be remembered for his time in the Dawg Pound.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 19. Hanford Dixon
Another early pick that worked in the Browns favor was Southern Mississippi’s Hanford Dixon. He played his entire career in Cleveland, which covered the 1981 season through 1989. During that time he made the Pro Bowl every year from 1986-1988 and was an All-Pro in 1987 and 1988.
Part of a talented secondary that included Frank Minnifield, Dixon is credited for starting the ‘Dawg Pound’ section in Browns stadium. The feisty corner used to bark at teammates and it would get the fans fired up. Of course, once he got the reaction, it only led to more gamesmanship out of Dixon.
Dixon is in the top-10 for all time picks in a Browns’ uniform and it could have been higher had opposing quarterbacks tested him more often. He was so talented and had such a reputation for making a play on the ball that teams usually just stayed away from his side of the field.
A true shut-down corner, Dixon is still a presence in Ohio as a broadcaster for not only Cleveland Browns football, but he’s also been seen calling high school games on Fox Sports Ohio.
Dixon also was a coach for the Cleveland Crush — now the Toledo Crush — of the Lingerie Football League.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 18. Frank Minnifield
Hanford Dixon is followed by his former teammate Frank Minnifield, who came to the Browns in 1984 after a brief stint in the USFL. The league that didn’t last long was able to boast a few good players, with Minnifield being one of the better ones among them.
He began his career in 1983 with the Chicago Blitz, who would up being the Arizona Wranglers the following season. Once the Browns brought him to Cleveland, he immediately became a starter for them. He played his entire career with Cleveland which spanned nine seasons.
Undersized at 5-foot-9 and 180-pounds, he never let that be an issue and made four Pro Bowls from 1986 through 1989. After his career Minnifield was named to the 1980s All-Decade Team as well as being inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Lexington native went to Louisville and makes his home in the state he starred as a high school and collegiate athlete.
To this day, the Browns have yet to field a secondary with the star power that Minnifield and Dixon brought to the table. They helped Cleveland stay in contention during what was some of more entertaining seasons in their history.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 17. Joe DeLamielleure
The name of Joe DeLamielleure may not be a household one, but that’s because he made a career of doing the dirty work while others got the credit. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 26 pick in the 1973 NFL Draft, the former Michigan State guard became a road grader for one of the better rushing attacks in NFL history.
He helped pave the way for running back O.J. Simpson, who broke the 2,000-yard mark as a runner before anyone else did so in the league. That happened to be DeLamielleure’s rookie season and Simpson won the NFL MVP that year.
His status as a brutal blocker ands good luck charm continued when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1980. In his first season with this franchise, DeLamielleure helped keep the pocket clean for another MVP, this time though it was quarterback Brian Sipe who took the award home in 1980.
The Browns only got DeLamielleure for five seasons, but he finished his career with 178 starts and made six Pro Bowls. He was named to the Browns Ring of Honor as well as eventually getting his bust in Canton as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 16. Gene Hickerson
Another guard for the Browns comes in, this time it’s Gene Hickerson. A seventh-round pick in 1957, Hickerson spent his entire career with Cleveland, starting 183 games.
He blocked for some of the greatest to wear the uniform like Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell and LeRoy Kelly. Hickerson made such an impact on their lives, that the three men helped Hickerson later in life when he was battling dementia.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, Hickerson wasn’t able to give a speech and had to be brought in on a wheelchair. His son gave a heartfelt acceptance speech, then the three men he led to daylight during their playing days let him lead them on stage one last time. The story is told by Steve King of ClevelandBrowns.com:
"At the end of Bob Hickerson’s speech, one of the greatest moments in HOF history took place when Brown, Mitchell and Kelly — the men for whom Gene Hickerson had blocked all those years — joined together to wheel their ailing former teammate out to center stage. It was finally their turn to do the heavy work — to clear a path and help him to get where he needed to go, out there to hear the roar of the crowd one more time. Kelly just nodded his head approvingly. Mitchell, who left the Browns via a trade after the 1961 season but said he will always consider himself a Cleveland Brown first and foremost, pumped his fist. Brown, who campaigned so hard for Hickerson, just took it all in.” — King, Cleveland Browns official team website"
Sadly he passed in 2008, but as for his work on the field which included six Pro Bowls and a spot on the 1960s All-Decade Team, Hickerson will never be forgotten.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 15. Mike McCormack
Mike McCormack played nine seasons for the Browns from 1954 until 1962. He played most of his career at right tackle for Cleveland, but he also played middle guard for the Browns during the 1954 season.
In his career with the Browns, he received All-NFL honors in every season he was in a Browns uniform. He made the Pro Bowl five times during his career, including the final three seasons of his career. McCormack was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1984. He is also a member of the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor.
During his time as a tackle for the Browns, he helped protect quarterback Otto Graham in the 1950’s and was one of the blockers that helped Jim Brown become one of the greatest rushers in NFL history. He won two NFL Championships with the Browns in 1954 and 1955.
McCormack played one season for the New York Yanks in 1951, making the first of his six Pro Bowls. He did not play the next two seasons as he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After McCormack returned from service, the Browns acquired McCormack in 1954 after trading ten players to the Baltimore Colts.
After he finished his playing career, McCormack was a head coach for three teams, compiling a record of 29-51-1.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 14. Bill Willis
Bill Willis played every season of his career with the Browns. Willis played eight seasons in Cleveland, beginning in the franchise’s inaugural season in 1946 and finishing his career in 1953. He played middle guard for the Browns, which is the same position as a middle linebacker in today’s age of football.
Willis was a first team All-League selection in seven of his eight seasons and was a second team All-League selection the other season. He also played in three Pro Bowls in his career from 1950-1952.
One of the biggest achievements in Willis’ career is permanently breaking the color barrier in professional football in 1946 along with another Browns teammate appearing later in this list.
Willis played football at Ohio State, but did not expect to play in the NFL due to there not being any African-Americans playing in the NFL at the time. After coaching for a season at Kentucky State in 1945, Browns head coach Paul Brown invited Willis to try out for the team at training camp. He made his impact by blowing past Frank Gatski and clobbering Otto Graham many times.
Willis won a NFL Championship with the Browns in 1950 and won four AAFC championships from 1946-1949. He is a member of the NFL’s 1940’s All-Decade team and is also a member of the Browns Ring of Honor. Willis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1977. He is only one of two Browns defensive players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 12. Bobby Mitchell
Although he played mostly as a complimentary back to Jim Brown during the beginning of his career, Bobby Mitchell contributed heavily into the Browns offense. He played in only four seasons with Cleveland, but his 2,297 rushing yards as a Brown is the 10-best in franchise history. He also added 16 touchdowns on the ground, and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.
But not only was he a solid rusher, Mitchell also contributed as a receiver and a returner. With the Browns, Mitchell amassed 1,462 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. As a returner, he had a total of six return touchdowns, 607 punt return yards and 1,550 kick return yards.
Mitchell made the Pro Bowl only one time with the Browns, but was never the star player like he was in Washington. The Browns traded Mitchell to Washington in 1962 to acquire Ernie Davis. Once in Washington, the team moved Mitchell to wide receiver and he became one of the best players in the league.
Mitchell was a second team All-Pro twice with the Browns and he is a member of the Browns Ring of Honor. Mitchell was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1983.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 11. Clay Matthews Jr.
Clay Matthews Jr. played 16 seasons with the Browns from 1978-1993. Matthews is one of the most beloved Browns ever, and he was also the leader of the Browns defenses in his playing days.
One of the biggest moments of his career with the Browns was during the 1989 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, intercepting a Jim Kelly pass to help push the Browns to the AFC Championship.
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In his career with the Browns, Matthews eclipsed 100 tackles in a season eight times. In his career in the brown and orange, Matthews amassed 1,430 tackles, which is the most in the franchise’s history, with the next closest player having 974 tackles. Matthews also holds the franchise record for the most sacks with 62 sacks in a Browns uniform. He also added in 14 interceptions and 24 forced fumbles.
Matthews went to the Pro Bowl four times in his career, all with the Browns. He also was named a first team All-Pro in 1984.
Matthews has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he has been named a semi-finalist twice since he has been on the ballot. With the numbers that he put up during his career, it would be a surprise if Matthews never made it into the Hall of Fame.
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.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 9. Marion Motley
Marion Motley played eight seasons for the Browns, beginning in the team’s inaugural season in 1946. Motley was signed in the Browns first training camp after Paul Brown has seen him play at nearby Canton McKinley High School. At six-foot-one and 232 pounds, Motley was the size of most linemen in the era of football that he played in.
When it was all said and done, Motley used his power to become a very efficient runner for the Browns. In his career in Cleveland, Motley rushed for 4,712 yards and 31 touchdowns with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. His 4,712 rushing yards is the sixth highest in franchise history. Motley also helped in the passing game, catching 85 passes for 1,107 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Motley led the AAFC in rushing yards during the 1948 season with 964 yards. He also was the NFL’s rushing champion in 1950 with 810 rushing yards.
Motley’s career was respected by those that covered the NFL, as he was named to the NFL 1940’s All-Decade team. He was also named to NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Motley was a two-time first team All-Pro and played in one Pro Bowl. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 8. Lou Groza
Known as “The Toe,” Lou Groza played 21 seasons with the Browns, by far the longest in pro football in that era. Groza was a member of the organization’s inaugural team, and he played until 1967 after missing only the 1960 season because of a back injury.
Groza considered himself an offensive lineman that also kicked field goals. But Groza is known in football history as the original placekicker, and one of the best kickers of all-time. Groza was one of the first kickers that coaches trusted enough that they would decide to settle for a field goal instead of going for touchdowns.
During his time as a kicker, Groza tallied 1,608 points. For a long time, he was the all-time leading scorer in NFL history.
In his career, Groza won eight championships, four in the AAFC and four in the NFL. He played in nine Pro Bowls in his career, including six as an offensive tackle. Groza was named a first-team or second-team all-league eight times in his career.
Groza was named to the NFL 1950’s All-Decade Team and was also named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 7. Dante Lavelli
One of the key members of the innovative passing offense created by Paul Brown, Dante Lavelli was such a reliable receiver that he received the nickname “Gluefingers.” Lavelli was the go-to receiver for Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham. Lavelli also spent time playing defensive end for the Browns.
One of the best games of Lavelli’s career came during the 1950 NFL Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. Lavelli caught 11 passes and two touchdowns, helping push the Browns to a 30-28 victory to win the team’s first NFL Championship.
In his rookie season in 1946, Lavelli led the entire AAFC in receiving yards and receptions with 40 catches for 843 receiving yards. He also chipped in eight touchdowns during that season. For his career, Lavelli caught 386 passes for 6,488 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns. In Cleveland Browns franchise history, Lavelli ranks second all-time in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Lavelli won seven championships while in a Browns uniform, including three NFL Championships. He was named first-team or second-team all-league five times in his career. Lavelli also played in three Pro Bowls during his career. He was also named to the NFL 1940’s All-Decade Team. Lavelli was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 6. Leroy Kelly
Having to replace one of the all-time greats in the sport is a tall task to ask of anybody, but Leroy Kelly made it look easier than it was. The running back was on the bench the first two years of his career as he watched Jim Brown tear apart defenses. But after Brown retired, Kelly was the man that had to fill the void.
Not only did Kelly fill the void, he became one of the most prolific rushers in Cleveland Browns history. In Kelly’s first season starting, he rushed for 1,141 yards and 15 touchdowns-which were the most in the NFL that season. He then followed that season by being the NFL’s best rusher the next two seasons, rushing for the most yards and touchdowns in 1967 and 1968.
Overall, Kelly rushed for 7,274 yards and 74 touchdowns. He is second in both categories in Cleveland Browns history, only behind Brown.
Kelly won one NFL Championship with the Browns in 1964. He made it to the Pro Bowl six times in his career and was named a first-team All-Pro three times in his career. Kelly was named to the NFL 1960’s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 5. Paul Warfield
Although he was playing a position he did not play while at The Ohio State University, Paul Warfield is arguably the best wide receiver that ever put on a Browns uniform. Warfield played halfback while in college, but the Browns drafted him with the 11th overall pick in the 1964 NFL Draft to be a wide receiver. He instantly became vital to the Browns offense, helping the Browns win the 1964 NFL Championship.
In his rookie season, Warfield caught 52 passes for 920 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Browns in every category that season. In his eight seasons with the Browns, Warfield caught 271 passes for 5,210 yards and 52 touchdowns.
Warfield ranks sixth in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns in Browns franchise history. He led the league in receiving touchdowns in 1968 with 12 touchdowns.
Warfield spent most of his best years in Miami, as he won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins. But with the Browns, Warfield went to the Pro Bowl three times and was named a first team All-Pro three times. Warfield was also named to the NFL 1970’s All-Decade team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 4. Ozzie Newsome
Drafted with the 23rd overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft, Ozzie Newsome would transition from playing wide receiver in college to tight end in the NFL. And he made the transition look easy as he became one of the best tight ends to ever play in the NFL.
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Newsome played 13 seasons for the Browns, performing the rare feat of playing in three different decades. In his career, Newsome caught 662 passes for 7,980 receiving yards and 47 touchdowns.
Newsome is the Cleveland Browns all-time leader with 662 receptions, which is 276 receptions more than the player with the second-most receptions. He also is the Browns all-time leader in receiving yards, and his 7,980 receiving yards is 1,492 yards more than the player with the second-most yards.
After his playing career, Newsome was a Browns executive from 1991-1995, but he followed the team when the organization was moved to Baltimore.
Newsome was named to the Pro Bowl three times in his career. He was also named a first-team or second-team All-Pro six times in his career, including being named a first-team All-Pro twice. Newsome was also named to the NFL 1980’s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 3. Joe Thomas
The player that played the most recently on this list, Joe Thomas is a massive fan favorite. Thomas blocked for the blind side of many different quarterbacks during his playing career. Not only will Thomas go down in NFL history as one of the best to play offensive tackle, but he will be known for being one of the game’s greatest players of all-time.
Not only was Thomas a talented player, he will go down as an iron man. In Thomas’ career, he played and started 167 games. But during that time span of 11 years, Thomas played 10,363 consecutive snaps. The streak ended after Thomas suffered a torn triceps, which was the last play he ever played in the NFL. He is the only player in NFL history to ever eclipse 10,000 consecutive snaps.
In his 11-year career in Cleveland, Thomas was named to the Pro Bowl every season of his career, except for the 2017 season as he only played seven games. He was also named a first team All-Pro seven times during his career, and a second team All-Pro twice.
Although Thomas never played a playoff snap in his career, he will go down as one of the best to have ever put on the brown and orange uniform.
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 2. Otto Graham
One of the first quarterbacks to play in Browns history, Otto Graham is the best to ever be under center in a Browns uniform. Graham played ten seasons, and he became the key piece in leading the Browns to ten consecutive championship games.
In those ten championship games, Graham led the Browns to seven victories, including three NFL Championships. Some of Graham’s best games came in the championship games, including leading the Browns back from eight points down in the fourth quarter to win the 1950 NFL Championship.
During his career, Graham played in both the AAFC and NFL. He led the league in passing yards in five different seasons, and he led the league in passing touchdowns in three different seasons. He also led the league in completion percentage and passer rating four seasons each.
Graham was named league Most Valuable Player five times in his career, including being named the NFL MVP three times. He played in five Pro Bowls during his career, and he was also named a first team All-Pro six times during his career.
Graham was named to the NFL 1950’s All-Decade Team and was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
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.