Cleveland Browns top 10 quarterbacks in franchise history
By Randy Gurzi
Cleveland Browns top QB all-time No. 9: Vinny Testaverde, 1993-1995
VinnyTestaverde. 9. 53. Pick Analysis. QB. 1993-1995. Scouting Report. player
In 1987, Vinny Testaverde wound up being the No. 1 overall pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Miami product ended up spending six seasons with the Bucs, but never helped them turn the corner.
In 72 starts with Tampa Bay, Testaverde led them to a 24-48 record while completing 52.1 percent of his attempts for 14,820 yards with 77 touchdowns and 112 picks. He ended up hitting free agency in the 1993 season, which is when he signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Recruited by head coach Bill Belichick, Testaverde joined former Hurricane teammate Bernie Kosar — and ended up stealing his job when the coach released Kosar. In 1994, he led them to the playoffs and was 9-4 as the starter while throwing for 2,575 yards with 16 touchdowns and 18 picks.
He even led them to a win over the New England Patriots in the Wild Card Game, which helped Belichick win some fans over again after releasing one of the most popular signal-callers in team history.
In all, he played three seasons with the Browns and was 16-15 as a starter with 7,255 yards and a 47-to-37 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Testaverde then headed to Baltimore when the original franchise moved and became the Ravens. He continued to play well for them, even though they struggled to win early on in Baltimore.
During his lengthy career, Testaverde played for seven franchises in 21 seasons and last suited up at the age of 44 for the Carolina Panthers. Still, his prime was spent in Cleveland, where he made his name as a pro quarterback.