Cleveland Browns top 10 quarterbacks in franchise history
By Randy Gurzi
Cleveland Browns top QB all-time No. 3: Brian Sipe, 1972-1983
3. 53. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. BrianSipe. QB. 1972-1983. player
No one expected Brian Sipe to have the career he did. The former San Diego State quarterback was a 13th-round pick for the Browns back in 1972. He spent the first two seasons on the bench, never recording a single snap.
Then in 1974, he got into the action and started four games — but it was his Oct. 27th meeting with the Denver Broncos that previewed what he was going to be known for throughout his career. Facing a 12-point deficit, Sipe led his team to a come-from-behind win.
During his career with Cleveland, he engineered 23 game-winning drives. His ability to help the team pull off close wins led to the nickname “Kardiac Kids” during the 1979 and1980 seasons. Cleveland constantly gave their fans heartache as they continued to flirt with losses and had 11 of his career game-winning drives in those two campaigns alone.
Sipe also won the NFL MVP award in the 1980 season when he threw for 4,132 yards with 30 touchdown passes. Overall, he has 23,713 yards passing which is the most in team history, and 154 touchdowns which is second behind only Otto Graham.
Unfortunately, Sipe never won a title for the Browns and is often remembered for throwing an infamous pick in the “Red Right 88” game against the Raiders, which was easily their best chance at winning a Super Bowl.