Cleveland Browns: 15 best defensive backs of all time

Greatest defensive backs in Cleveland Browns history: #8. Ken Konz

Another player from the early days of Browns football, Ken Konz was part of two NFL Championships during his seven seasons with Cleveland. Taken in the first round out of LSU, Konz had to wait to play in the NFL as he fulfilled his duty to the country.

A lieutenant in the United States Air Force, Konz spent two seasons away from the team before joining in 1953. He ended up proving well worth the wait, as he started 67 of 84 career games while recording 30 picks and scoring four touchdowns.

Ranked the 44th best player in team history by Mike Peticca of Cleveland.com, Konz was known for his blazing speed and a knack for coming up with interceptions

"“Konz was one of the fastest defensive backs of his day, in fact, as swift as most current pass defenders. He intercepted 30 passes in 84 regular season games — not missing a contest in his seven campaigns, as regular season schedules were 12 games. He returned four picks for touchdowns. The Browns played in four championship games during Konz’ career, winning two. Konz intercepted two passes in the 56-10 rout of the Detroit Lions in the 1954 championship game at Cleveland Stadium, and had another two interceptions in the 38-14 win over the host Los Angeles Rams in the 1955 title game.” — Peticca, Cleveland.com"

Konz is still tied for fifth overall in team interceptions and second in touchdowns scored off those picks.