The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. The team has a rich history that spans over 70 years, with a passionate fan base and some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the Browns, including their history, notable players, and recent seasons.
History
The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1945 as a member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The team was named after its first head coach and co-founder, Paul Brown. The Browns quickly became a powerhouse in the AAFC, winning four championships in the league's four-year existence.
In 1950, the Browns joined the NFL and continued their winning ways, winning three NFL championships in the 1950s. The Browns were led by quarterback Otto Graham, who led the team to 10 consecutive championship game appearances and seven championships during his career.
After Graham's retirement in 1955, the Browns experienced a period of decline, with the team struggling to make the playoffs for much of the next four decades. However, the Browns had a resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the arrival of head coach Marty Schottenheimer and quarterback Bernie Kosar.
Under Schottenheimer and Kosar, the Browns made the playoffs five times in six years from 1985 to 1990, but were unable to win a Super Bowl. The team struggled after Kosar's departure in 1993 and was eventually moved to Baltimore in 1996, where they became the Ravens.
The Browns were re-established as an expansion team in 1999 and have since experienced a mixture of success and failure, with a few notable players and moments along the way.
Notable Players
Over the years, the Browns have had many talented players, including several who have gone on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here are just a few of the most notable Browns players:
- Jim Brown: Brown played running back for the Browns from 1957 to 1965 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player three times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971.
- Otto Graham: Graham played quarterback for the Browns from 1946 to 1955 and was a key part of the team's early success. He led the Browns to seven championships and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965.
- Bernie Kosar: Kosar played quarterback for the Browns from 1985 to 1993 and was a fan favorite during his time with the team. He led the Browns to five playoff appearances and was known for his ability to engineer fourth-quarter comebacks.
Memorable Moments
The Browns have had many memorable moments over the years, both good and bad. Here are a few of the most iconic:
- The Drive: In the 1986 AFC Championship Game, the Browns faced off against the Denver Broncos in a game that came down to the wire. With the score tied 20-20 late in the fourth quarter, Broncos quarterback John Elway led his team on a 98-yard drive to score the game-winning touchdown, a drive that became known as "The Drive."
- The Fumble: In the 1987 AFC Championship Game, the Browns faced off against the Broncos once again, this time with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. With the Browns trailing 38-31 late in the game, running back Earnest Byner appeared to be on his way to a game-tying touchdown when he fumbled the ball at the Broncos' 1-yard line, sealing the Broncos' victory and giving the Browns a heartbreaking