Countdown to 2020: Best Cleveland Browns player to wear No. 39

Who’s the best player to wear No. 39 for the Cleveland Browns?

The countdown to the 2020 NFL season is upon us. With 39 days remaining until the Browns season opener, we continue the countdown by celebrating the best Cleveland Browns player to ever wear number 39: Tashaun Gipson.

Tashaun Gipson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns after the 2012 NFL draft. Gipson was a four-year starter for the University of Wyoming, playing most of his career at cornerback. He made the transition to playing the safety position during his senior season. Gipson, a high school standout in the Dallas, Tx area, fielded offers from much larger schools but decided to play at Wyoming in order to play alongside his older brother.

Once arriving in Cleveland, Gipson was given the opportunity to compete for a roster spot as a backup safety and special teams player. The undrafted free agent seized the opportunity by proving that the moment was not too big for him. Gipson earned himself a spot on the kick coverage unit and came out of training camp as the third team free safety.

After suffering a knee injury during the fourth game of the season, Gipson returned in week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys. Gipson was able to work his way onto the field and make two tackles against the team he spent his childhood rooting for. The following week, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gipson made his first NFL start.

Gipson would go on to start two additional games in the backstretch of his rookie season. The undrafted safety finished his rookie campaign with 33 combined tackles and an interception. Gipson was able to set himself up for an opportunity to compete for the starting job the following season.

It did not prove to be much of a competition, as Gipson secured the starting free safety position fairly early into training camp and never looked back. Gipson started all but one game in 2013 and led the Browns defense with five interceptions. Late in the season, against the Chicago Bears, Gipson intercepted a pass and took it 44 yards for a touchdown. Gipson also finished third on the team in both combined and solo tackles.

Despite missing five games due to an injury in 2014, Gipson turned in his best season as a member of the Browns in pass coverage. Gipson once again led the Browns in interceptions with six and led the entire NFL in interception return yards with 158. As a result of his outstanding play, Gipson was named to the Pro Bowl in 2014.

The Browns re-signed Gipson to a one-year prove-it deal prior to the 2015 season. Although his interceptions dipped, Gipson’s play against the run improved. He racked up 42 solo tackles despite missing three games in 2015. After the season, Gipson chose to pursue free agency and signed a five-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Even though his stint with the team was only four seasons, Tashaun Gipson is the best player to ever wear number 39 for the Cleveland Browns.