Countdown to 2020: Best Cleveland Browns player to wear No. 92
The Cleveland Browns have a rich and illustrious history. With only 92 days until the Browns season opener, we look at the best Browns player to ever wear number 92.
The countdown to the 2020 NFL season is upon us. With 92 days remaining until the Browns season opener, we continue the countdown by celebrating the best Cleveland Browns player to ever wear number 92 — Michael Dean Perry
Michael Dean Perry was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft out of Clemson University. Perry left Clemson as their all-time sack leader with 28 and the ACC player of the year in 1987. He is the younger brother of fellow NFL standout William ‘Refridgerator’ Perry.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 285lbs, MDP was not your typical defensive tackle. While the younger Perry may have lacked the size that ‘Refrigerator’ had, he more than made up for it with his quick burst off the line of scrimmage and ability to shed blockers.
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Perry was drafted into a great situation coming to Cleveland in 1988. The defense was already solidified, and they were able to bring Perry along in their system and effectively rotate the young rookie into games. Although Perry did not see the snaps that he would in the following years, his impact was immediate.
Perry finished his rookie season with six sacks, which led the team, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. The touchdown that Perry scored was the lone defensive touchdown for the Browns. It was evident that Perry was an impact player and would be a force to be reckoned with.
In Perry’s sophomore campaign he became a dominant NFL player. The second-year defensive tackle showed out leading the defensive line in tackles with 92 and added an additional seven sacks. With his stellar play came recognition as Perry was named the AFC defensive player of the year. He also was named first-team All-Pro and received his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
He followed up the 1989 season with an even more impressive season in 1990. Perry racked up 11.5 sacks and 107 total tackles with two forced fumbles. Once again Perry was named to the All-Pro first team and another Pro Bowl trip to Honolulu.
MDP raised the bar for athletic defensive tackles in the NFL. He proved that you didn’t have to have the ideal prototypical size and that being explosive and having an excellent motor was more than enough to dominate in the NFL.
Perry played seven years in Cleveland before leaving as a free agent in 1995. During his time in Cleveland Perry’s ridiculous production included 480 total tackles and 10 forced fumbles. Perry’s 51.5 sacks put him at second place on the Cleveland Browns all-time sack list.
MDP finished his Browns career with five pro bowls, two-time first-team All-Pro nominations, two-time second-team All-Pro nominations, and an AFC defensive player of the year award.
Next. Countdown to 2020 — Best Browns player to wear No. 93. dark
Perry was truly a dominant force for the Cleveland Browns and deserves every bit of recognition that he receives. Micheal Dean Perry is the best Browns player to ever wear the number 92.
Honorable mention: Shaun Rogers