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Cleveland Browns: Top 5 rushing performances since 1999

By Martin McConnell

CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 29: Running back William Green #31 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 29, 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Falcons 24-16. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 29: Running back William Green #31 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 29, 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Falcons 24-16. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND – NOVEMBER 07: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 and Alex Mack #55 of the Cleveland Browns celebrate after a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND – NOVEMBER 07: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 and Alex Mack #55 of the Cleveland Browns celebrate after a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) /

5. Peyton Hillis, November 7th, 2010

Remember Peyton Hillis? If not, that’s alright, but I’d wager that most Browns fans would at least remember that name. For a while, Hillis was one of the hottest names in the NFL, especially at running back. He became so popular that Browns fans single-handedly voted him as the cover athlete for Madden 12, over Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers.

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And yet, if you were to look up a picture of the term “one-year wonder,” you’d almost certainly see a picture of Hillis. His 2010 year was amazing, even more amazing when you consider he was a fullback and not a halfback, but he struggled immediately afterward. By the end of 2015, Hillis was out of the NFL. But, it’s always fun to stroll down memory lane. This is the game that launched Peyton Hillis into NFL superstardom, awarding him his 15 minutes of fame.

Setting the scene, the Browns were 2-5 coming into this one. The visiting New England Patriots, near the pinnacle of their NFL dynasty, were 6-1 and rolling, having won five games in a row. No one was expecting the Browns to pull off any kind of victory. No one was expecting anyone to pull off a victory over New England. Enter Peyton Hillis, and you’ve got a recipe for instant success in Cleveland.

The Browns fullback powered his way through the Patriots’ defense for 220 yards of total offense, including 184 yards on the ground. He scored three touchdowns on the day and cemented himself in Browns lore as a possible franchise piece moving forward. He never did capitalize on that potential, but he did carry the Browns to a win over the Patriots on that brisk November day, and for that, Mr. Hillis, we thank you.

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