7 Players you forgot spent time on the Cleveland Browns roster
By Randy Gurzi
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LenDawson. Quarterback. 1960-1961. 1. player. 53
Len Dawson was in Cleveland before Kansas City
Quarterback Len Dawson was one of the original Kansas City Chiefs as he actually joined the team in 1962 while they were still known as the Dallas Texans. Dawson moved with the franchise to Kansas City and he spent a total of 14 years with the club.
During that time, he had a lot of success. Dawson was 93-56-8 as the starter for the Chiefs and even won the AFL MVP in 1962 — their final season in Dallas. A three-time AFL Champion, Dawson also led the Chiefs to a win in Super Bowl IV and was the MVP of that game.
Most of this is known about Dawson, but what might not be is the fact that he spent time with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Chiefs. Originally the fifth overall pick out of Purdue by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dawson spent three seasons with the Steelers but then he was traded to the Browns after they landed Bobby Layne from the Detroit Lions.
Dawson battled Milt Plum in Cleveland and was unable to win a starting job. Eventually, he was released and that’s what led to his signing with Dallas.
During his two seasons with the Browns, Dawson was 15-of-28 passing for 108 yards with a single touchdown and three picks.
Next. 3 Remaining free agents with ties to Browns. dark
Plum had his share of success for the Browns, so it’s not as if they really did make a horrible decision. Having said that, Dawson is the more recognizable name, even if no one thinks of him as ever being a member of Cleveland’s football team.