Cleveland Browns: 15 greatest offensive linemen of all-time
By Randy Gurzi
(1958-73). Gene Hickerson. 3. player. 53. . Guard
Greatest offensive lineman in Cleveland Browns history: #3. Gene Hickerson
The list of players Gene Hickerson blocked for during his 15-year career is quite impressive. His time with the Browns carried into three decades as he was there from 1958 to 1973 and played in 202 career games for Cleveland. During that time, he had Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell and LeRoy Kelly in the backfield.
He helped each of them carve out some successful careers. All three repaid the favor, as they led him onto the stage for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2007. He was unable to do so as he was battling dementia, but they lent a hand to Hickerson, as the former guard’s son gave a speech thanking the voters for electing his father into Canton.
As for his play on the field, Hickerson was an offensive tackle at Ole Miss, but moved to guard for the Browns who drafted him in the seventh round of the 1957 NFL Draft. That sounds like a rather late pick, but with it being a different era, he was actually the 78th overall selection at the time.
Hickerson was highly thought of by legendary head coach Paul Brown, who had the offensive lineman deliver the plays to the huddle. The “messenger” was part of the 1964 NFL Championship roster and ended up in six Pro Bowls with five selections to the All-Pro First Team. He was also honored as a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
He ended up passing away in 2008 and the team paid tribute to him that season by playing with his initials on their helmets.