Cleveland Browns: All-time Mount Rushmore
By Randy Gurzi
Otto Graham, Quarterback (1946-1955)
Many would want to see running back Jim Brown on this list, and really for his play he should be. Brown was easily the best player on the field in Cleveland history and has been a central figure for the franchise even after his playing days.
He was also originally going to be part of this list, but he had too many off-field concerns to be included. There were far too many incidents of domestic violence accusations for him to make this enshrinement. So while his on field work is admirable, it’s better to go a different route.
Which brings us to the Browns most popular quarterback of all-time, Otto Graham. He was a part of the very first Cleveland Browns roster, even though he didn’t start right away. He ended up making it into the lineup before his rookie year was over and led the team to all four of their AAFC titles. Twice in that span he also won the MVP Award for that league.
His success continued in the NFL as he won titles in 1950, 1954 and 1955 as well as three NFL MVP Awards. The list of accolades continues and includes him twice leading the league in yardage and making five Pro Bowls.
It’s no surprise that Graham is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is still the leader for the Browns in touchdowns with 174 in his career.
Next: 30 greatest players in franchise history
Graham simply has to be a part of the team’s Mount Rushmore and it will take a lot for any other quarterback to become more important to the team’s history than he was.