7 Best Cleveland Browns of the 21st Century

By Martin McConnell | Jul 6, 2019

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 3: Cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after catching and interception during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 3, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3 of 8

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 23: Josh Cribbs #16 of the Cleveland Browns returns a punt against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 23, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 34-12. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 23: Josh Cribbs #16 of the Cleveland Browns returns a punt against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 23, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 34-12. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

6. Josh Cribbs

In his time, Josh Cribbs was one of the best return men in the NFL, perhaps second only to the ever-explosive Devin Hester. Cribbs made the Browns one of the most must-see teams in the league, at least when they were on the return game. The offense and defense may have left a lot to be desired, but Cribbs made sure that football’s often-forgotten third phase was accounted for by fans.

More from Browns All-Time Lists

A 26-year old Cribbs scored three kick return touchdowns in 2009, with a long of 103 yards and a total of 1,542 kick return yards that season. When returning punts, he was equally flashy and took one of those all the way back in 2009 as well. With a grand total of 1,994 special teams yards in that year alone, Cribbs made a living on making people miss in the return game.

At his “official” position of wide receiver, Cribbs was never anything game-breaking, unfortunately. 110 catches for 1,175 yards in a career is alright by some NFL standards, but Cribbs would be much higher on this list if he replicated the talent of his return prowess as a receiving and running back.

Still, Cribbs deserves a spot on these rankings for being the Browns’ best offensive weapon in the late 2000s. Even if he was never really on their “real” offense to begin with, he made his touches count in the return game. Cribbs now works as a consultant for the Browns’ special teams unit, a very worthy holder of such a position within the organization.

Home/Browns All-Time Lists