Cleveland Browns: 15 best defensive backs of all time

Greatest defensive backs in Cleveland Browns history: #2. Hanford Dixon

One of the original members of the ‘Dawg Pound’ was Hanford Dixon, who was part of one of the greatest defensive backfields in team history. Starting alongside Frank Minnifield for most of his career, Dixon was part of some good teams during the 1980s.

However, they never got over the hump, despite making it to the AFC Championship three times in his tenure. As for Dixon, he says that’s the greatest regret during his NFL career.

"“The only regret that I have is that we lost three AFC Championship Games; we just didn’t get the chance to go to the Super Bowl. Nothing would make me happier now than to see the Cleveland Browns get to the Super Bowl,” Dixon said via Ross Forman of Sports Collectors Digest. “My career highlight was just playing in those AFC Championship Games, though we didn’t win them. Just getting there was special.”"

During his nine seasons in Cleveland, Dixon was credited with 26 interceptions in his 131 total games. He was named to the All-Pro team twice and was a three-time selection to the Pro Bowl — however, if you ask him, he should have made plenty more.

While all his on-field work was great, the best thing Dixon contributed to the team was the ‘Dawg Pound’ nickname. With he and Minnifield barking at fans to get them fired up, the nickname was born and continues to stick to this day. That alone helps him become one of the best players to ever wear the orange and brown.