5 Cleveland Browns since 1999 who deserved a ring

Since the return of the Cleveland Browns in 1999 it has been a struggle most years. But, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t talent that deserved a Super Bowl.

From Chris Palmer to Freddie Kitchens, the Cleveland Browns fan base has been to hell and back.  Others will chime in that their team is worse, but let’s be honest the Browns take the cake.

When the Browns took quarterback Tim Couch from Kentucky with the No. 1 overall pick in 1999, many expected winning football to return to Cleveland like in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, the Browns have only had two winning seasons since their return and one lonely playoff loss.

For so many years fans have been given hope in the offseason just to have it quickly sucked away by a dysfunctional team and a losing culture. True fans will remember the first win in 1999 on a Couch hail marry to Kevin Johnson. The Browns beat the Saints 21-16 to get the new franchise’s first win in eight attempts.

Let’s not forget the most successful season in 2002 where the Browns made the playoffs and lost a heartbreaker to the Steelers. After surrendering a 33-21 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining, Tommy Maddox would lead the Steelers back to defeat the Browns 36-33. Kelly Holcomb threw for over 400 yards, but it wasn’t enough for a playoff victory.

And of course the bottom… the 2017 winless season that all Brown’s fans want to forget.  I consider myself a die-hard, and even I admit I couldn’t watch most of those games. When a team is so bad many think they are losing on purpose, you know there is a serious issue.

With a fourth head coach in four seasons, it’s time to see if the culture can be changed in 2020. Even though the talent wasn’t always there and the teams may have not won many games, there are still plenty of players who deserved success. Check out these five players that deserved a Super Bowl, but instead played with the Browns.