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Cleveland Browns: 15 greatest moments in team history

By Randy Gurzi

14 Nov 1999: Dylan McCutcheon #33of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammate Earl Little #20 during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Browns defeated the Steelers 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport
14 Nov 1999: Dylan McCutcheon #33of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammate Earl Little #20 during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Browns defeated the Steelers 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 18: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 18: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Greatest moments in Cleveland Browns history: 15. The Peyton Hillis stretch

Originally a side note in a trade where the Cleveland Browns sent quarterback Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos, Peyton Hillis became a star for a brief moment with the Browns. After two seasons of playing fullback for the Broncos, Hillis landed in The Land in 2010 and was listed as a fullback once again. However, injuries to Jerome Harrison and James Davis forced Cleveland’s hand and Hillis was put in the halfback spot.

Hillis took off in Week 3 once called upon, rushing for 144 yards against a strong Baltimore Ravens defense. He wound up starting 14 games that season and became one of the best stories in the league. Hillis, listed at 6-foot-1 and 240-pounds, was an absolute load to try and tackle. The way he bulldozed opponents brought back memories of some old smash-mouth football.

Hillis finished the year with 1,177 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He wasn’t just a brutal runner though, as he also had 61 receptions for 477 yards and two more touchdowns. His popularity led to his selection as the cover athlete for EA Sports Madden NFL 2012.

Sadly, his success was short-lived. 2011 was met with injuries and his production dipped — which brought up the idea of the Madden Curse which seems to hit nearly every player who gets featured on the cover. After rushing for 587 yards, the Browns allowed Hillis to leave in free agency, but that 2010 season still brings up good memories.

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