- Oct 24, 2021

All-Time Teams: Cleveland Browns

Introduction

In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.

1. Each team roster will consist of the following:

Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C

Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S

Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner

Coach - 1 Head Coach

2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.

3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.

4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.

5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.

6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!

Cleveland Browns All-Time Team

Franchise Information

First Season: 1946

Record: 541-518-14 (51.09 W-L%)

Playoff Record: 17-21

Super Bowls Won: 0

Pre-Super Bowl Championships Won: 4 (1950, 1954, 1955 and 1964) (Lost in 1951, 1952, 1953, 1957 and 1965)

AAFC Championships Won: 4 (1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949)

Passing Leader: Brian Sipe 1,944/3,439 | 23,713 Yds | 154 TD

Rushing Leader: Jim Brown 2,359 Att | 12,312 Yds | 106 TD

Receiving Leader: Ozzie Newsome 662 Rec | 7,980 Yds | 47 TD

Sack Leader: Bill Glass 77.5 Sk

Interception Leader: Thom Darden 45 Int

Scoring Leader: Lou Groza 1,608 Points

Winningest Coach: Paul Brown 158-48-8

QB: Otto Graham (1946-1955)

Otto Graham is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play. He was Tom Brady before Tom Brady was even born. Graham played in only 10 seasons, but he led the Cleveland Browns to the championship game in all 10 of them. The Browns and Graham spent their first four seasons in a separate league, the AAFC, winning the championship every year from 1946-1949. This league was supposedly weaker than the NFL, so when the Browns moved to the NFL in 1950, they weren't expected to be as dominant. Graham proved the NFL world wrong when the Browns won the NFL championship in 1950 and again in 1954 and 1955. He led the league in completions twice, completion percentage four times, passing yards five times, touchdowns three times, yards per game five times, quarterback rating five times and yards per attempt four times. Graham was also named the NFL MVP three different times, named to the Pro-Bowl five times and the All-Pro Team seven times. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965. Graham is easily one of the best quarterbacks to ever play.

Honorable Mentions

Tommy O’Connell (1956-1957) | Record: 10-3-1 | 51 Cmp% | 1,780 Yds | 13 TD | 16 Int | 3 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (57) | 1957 NFL Championship Appearance
Milt Plum (1957-1961) | Record: 33-16-2 | 57.9 Cmp% | 8,194 Yds | 66 TD | 39 Int | 204 Rush Yds | 8 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp% 1959, 1960 and 1961 (58.6, 60.4, 58.6) | Led League in QB Rating 1960 (110.4) | Led League in Yds/A 1960 (9.2) | 2x Pro-Bowl (60, 61)
Frank Ryan (1962-1968) | Record: 52-22-2 | 51.7 Cmp% | 13,361 Yds | 134 TD | 88 Int | 1,032 Rush Yds | 4 Rush TD | Led League in TD 1964 and 1966 (25, 29) | 3x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 66) | 1964 NFL Champion | 1965 NFL Championship Appearance
Bill Nelsen (1968-1972) | Record: 34-16-1 | 52.4 Cmp% | 9,725 Yds | 71 TD | 71 Int | 1 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Brian Sipe (1974-1983) | Record: 57-55 | 56.5 Cmp% | 23,713 Yds | 154 TD | 149 Int | 762 Rush Yds | 11 Rush TD | Led League in TD 1979 (28) | Led League in QB Rating 1980 (91.4) | 1x Pro-Bowl (80) | 1x All-Pro (80) | 1980 MVP
Bernie Kosar (1985-1993) | Record: 53-51-1 | 58.8 Cmp% | 21,904 Yds | 116 TD | 81 Int | 216 Rush Yds | 4 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (87)

RB: Jim Brown (1957-1965)

5.2 Yds/A | 12,312 Yds | 106 TD | 262 Rec | 2,499 Rec Yds | 20 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1965 (942, 1,527, 1,329, 1,257, 1,408, 1,863, 1,446, 1,544) | Led League in TD 1957, 1958, 1959, 1963 and 1965 (9, 17, 14, 12, 17) | Led League in Yds/A 1963 and 1964 (6.4, 5.2) | Led League in Yds/G 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1965 (78.5, 127.3, 110.8, 104.8, 100.6, 133.1, 103.3, 110.3) | Led League in YScm 1958, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1965 (1,665, 1,519, 1,867, 2,131, 1,786, 1,872) | Led League in RRTD 1957, 1958, 1959, 1963 and 1965 (10, 18, 14, 15, 21) | 9x Pro-Bowl (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) | 8x All-Pro (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65) | 1957, 1958 and 1964 MVP | 1957 Offensive Rookie of the Year | 1963 Bert Bell | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1971

First at running back is a no brainer, Jim Brown. He is maybe the greatest running back ever, or better yet, maybe the greatest football player ever. Brown led the league in rushing in all but one of his seasons. He led the league in touchdowns five times, yards per attempt two times, yards per game eight times, yards from scrimmage six times and rushing and receiving touchdowns five times. Brown was way ahead of his time and maybe the most dominant player in NFL history. He was named to the Pro-Bowl in all nine of his seasons and to the All-Pro Team in eight of them. He was the NFL MVP in three different seasons, the 1957 Offensive Rookie of the Year and named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team. Four different times Brown led the league in yards, touchdowns, yards per game, yards from scrimmage and rushing and receiving touchdowns in the same season. Brown is outside of literally no one's top two running backs of all time. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971.

RB: Leroy Kelly (1964-1973)

I went back and forth between Marion Motley and Leroy Kelly for this position. I decided to go with Kelly. Kelly was Jim Browns successor and did a great job at filling in for the GOAT. He led the league in yards twice, touchdowns three times, yards per attempt twice, yards per game once, yards from scrimmage twice and rushing and receiving touchdowns twice as well. He was voted to six straight Pro-Bowls from 1966-1971 and three straight All-Pros from 1966-1968. Kelly had more overall production, especially through the air so he gets the nod. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team and inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1994.

Honorable Mentions

Marion Motley (1946-1953) | 5.7 Yds/A | 4,712 Yds | 31 TD | 85 Rec | 1,107 Rec Yds | 7 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1948 and 1950 (964, 810) | Led League in Yds/A 1950 (5.8) | Led League in Yds/G 1948 (68.9) | 1x Pro-Bowl (50) | 2x All-Pro (48, 50) | Hall of Fame All-1940s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1968
Dubb Jones (1948-1955) | 4.2 Yds/A | 1,910 Yds | 20 TD | 171 Rec | 2,874 Rec Yds | 20 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (51, 52) | 1x All-Pro (51)
Bobby Mitchell (1958-1961) | 5.4 Yds/A | 2,297 Yds | 16 TD | 128 Rec | 1,462 Rec Yds | 16 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (60) | Hall of Fame Class 1983
Ernie Green (1962-1968) | 4.8 Yds/A | 3,204 Yds | 15 TD | 195 Rec | 2,036 Rec Yds | 20 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/Tch 1963 (7.2) | 2x Pro-Bowl (66, 67)
Greg Pruitt (1973-1981) | 4.7 Yds/A | 5,496 Yds | 25 TD | 323 Rec | 3,022 Rec Yds | 17 Rec TD | 4x Pro-Bowl (73, 74, 76, 77)
Mike Pruitt (1976-1984) | 4.1 Yds/A | 6,540 Yds | 47 TD | 255 Rec | 1,761 Rec Yds | 5 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (79, 80)
Earnest Byner (1984-1988, 1994-1995) | 3.9 Yds/A | 3,364 Yds | 27 TD | 276 Rec | 2,630 Rec Yds | 10 Rec TD
Kevin Mack (1985-1993) | 4.0 Yds/A | 5,123 Yds | 46 TD | 197 Rec | 1,602 Rec Yds | 8 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (85, 87)
Eric Metcalf (1989-1994) | 3.8 Yds/A | 2,229 Yds | 11 TD | 297 Rec | 2,732 Rec Yds | 15 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (93, 94) | 1x All-Pro (93)
Leroy Hoard (1990-1995) | 4.0 Yds/A | 2,036 Yds | 10 TD | 177 Rec | 1,849 Rec Yds | 14 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (94)
Nick Chubb (2018-Present) | 5.3 Yds/A | 4,816 Yds | 36 TD | 92 Rec | 751 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD | 3x Pro-Bowl (19, 20, 21)

WR: Dante Lavelli (1946-1956)

Otto Graham's number one target, Dante Lavelli, is the first wide receiver for the All-Time Browns. Lavelli led the league in receptions, yards, yards per game and yards per reception in 1946. He was also named to three Pro-Bowls and the Hall of Fame All-1940s Team. His 6,488 yards and 62 touchdowns are both second all-time in Browns history. Lavelli was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975.

WR: Mac Speedie (1946-1952)

The second wide receiver is another Hall of Famer, Mac Speedie. Speedie had to wait all the way until 2020 to finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He led the league in receptions four different times and also led the league in yards twice. Speedie made two Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams. He arguably had a better career than Dante Lavelli, so the only explanation I can give for him having to wait so long to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is that he only played seven seasons.

WR: Gary Collins (1962-1971)

331 Rec | 5,299 Yds | 70 TD | Led League in TD 1963 (13) | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 66) | Hall of Fame All-1960s

This spot might surprise people because I went with Gary Collins over Paul Warfield but hear me out. Collins spent two more seasons with the Browns than Warfield, caught more passes for more yards and almost 20 more touchdowns. They both led the league in touchdowns once with the Browns and Warfield was named to one more Pro-Bowl, but Collins was named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team. Maybe the main determining factor in my decision was that Warfield actually spent more impactful years with the Dolphins, which I will go through in more detail during their All-Time Team's article. Collins's 70 touchdowns are still the franchise record, even after 50 years.

Honorable Mentions

Pete Brewster (1952-1958) | 186 Rec | 3,372 Yds | 19 TD | Led League in Yds/R 1957 (20.5) | 2x Pro-Bowl (55, 56)
Ray Renfro (1952-1963) | 281 Rec | 5,508 Yds | 50 TD | Led League in Yds/R 1955 (20.8) | Led League in Yds/Tch 1953 (10.8) | 3x Pro-Bowl (53, 57, 60)
Paul Warfield (1964-1969, 1976-1977) | 271 Rec | 5,210 Yds | 52 TD | Led League in TD 1968 (12) | 3x Pro-Bowl (64, 68, 69) | Hall of Fame Class 1983
Reggie Rucker (1975-1981) | 310 Rec | 4,953 Yds | 32 TD
Dave Logan (1976-1983) | 262 Rec | 4,247 Yds | 24 TD
Brian Brennan (1984-1991) | 315 Rec | 4,148 Yds | 19 TD
Webster Slaughter (1986-1991) | 305 Rec | 4,834 Yds | 27 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (89)
Braylon Edwards (2005-2009) | 238 Rec | 3,697 Yds | 28 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (07)
Josh Gordon (2012-2014, 2017-2018) | 180 Rec | 3,106 Yds | 16 TD | Led League in Yds 2013 (1,646) | Led League in Yds/G 2013 (117.6) | 1x Pro-Bowl (13) | 1x All-Pro (13)

TE: Ozzie Newsome (1978-1990)

662 Rec | 7,980 Yds | 47 TD | 3x Pro-Bowl (81, 84, 85) | 1x All-Pro (84) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1999

There is only one choice at tight end for the All-Time Browns and it's Ozzie Newsome. Newsome is one of the greatest tight ends of all time, playing in 13 seasons

with the Browns. He was named to three Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team while racking up over 600 receptions and almost 8,000 yards. He is the franchise leader in receptions and yards and was named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team. Twice, he had over 1,000 yards receiving, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Honorable Mentions

Milt Morin (1966-1975) | 271 Rec | 4,208 Yds | 16 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (68, 71)

OT: Joe Thomas (2007-2017)

Started 167 of 167 Games | 10x Pro-Bowl (07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) | 6x All-Pro (09, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15) | Hall of Fame All-2010s Team

One of the few Browns that played in this century, Joe Thomas, is the first pick at offensive tackle. Thomas was the lone bright spot for the Browns during his 11 years with the team. The fact that he was so dominant, even while playing for a losing team, should just further prove his greatness. He made 10 straight Pro-Bowls from 2007-2016 and was also named to six All-Pro Teams. Thomas was named to the Hall of Fame All-2010s Team and will surely be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.

OT: Lou Groza (1946-1967)

Started 152 of 170 Games (268 Including as Kicker) | 9x Pro-Bowl (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59) | 4x All-Pro (52, 53, 54, 55) | Hall of Fame All-1950s | Hall of Fame Class 1974

The great Lou Groza is the other starting offensive tackle for the All-Time Browns. Groza started in over 150 games with the Browns and played in over 260 games when you include his games as a kicker. He was named to nine Pro-Bowls and four All-Pro Teams at offensive tackle. He was the leader on the offensive line for seven different championship winning teams. Groza was named to the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. Mike McCormack is another Hall of Fame tackle for the Browns and Dick Schafrath should be in the Hall.

Honorable Mentions

Mike McCormack (1954-1962) | Started 106 of 107 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (56, 57, 60, 61, 62) | Hall of Fame Class 1984
Dick Schafrath (1959-1971) | Started 158 of 176 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) | 4x All-Pro (63, 64, 65, 69)
Doug Dieken (1971-1984) | Started 194 of 203 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (80)
Cody Risien (1979-1989) | Started 140 of 146 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (86, 87)
Paul Farren (1983-1991) | Started 91 of 132 Games
Tony Jones (1988-1995) | Started 99 of 109 Games

OG: Gene Hickerson (1958-1973)

Started 183 of 202 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70) | 3x All-Pro (67, 68, 69) | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2007

Starting at offensive guard is Gene Hickerson. Hickerson played in over 200 games with the Browns from 1958-1973. He made the Pro-Bowl in six straight seasons from 1965-1970 and three straight All-Pro Teams from 1967-1969. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team and finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

OG: Jim Ray Smith (1956-1962)

Started 67 of 81 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (58, 59, 60, 61, 62) | 3x All-Pro (59, 60, 61)

The second offensive guard is Jim Ray Smith. He only spent seven seasons with the Browns but was a dominant force in all of them. He made five straight Pro-Bowls from 1958-1962 and three straight All-Pro Teams from 1959-1961. Joe DeLamielleure is also in the Hall of Fame, but he spent the majority of his seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Honorable Mentions

Abe Gibron (1950-1956) | Started 64 of 77 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (52, 53, 54, 55)
John Wooten (1959-1967) | Started 93 of 122 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 66)
John Demarie (1967-1975) | Started 102 of 123 Games
Robert Jackson (1975-1985) | Started 127 of 160 Games
Joe DeLamielleure (1980-1984) | Started 70 of 73 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (80) | Hall of Fame Class 2003
Dan Fike (1985-1992) | Started 102 of 112 Games
Joel Bitonio (2014-Present) | Started 112 of 112 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (18, 19, 20, 21) | 1x All-Pro (21)

C: Frank Gatski (1946-1956)

Started 113 of 132 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (56) | 3x All-Pro (52, 53, 55) | Hall of Fame Class 1985

Frank Gatski is the clear choice at center for the All-Time Browns. He was Otto Grahams center for all seven of their championship seasons. He played in over 130 games with the Browns, being named to the Pro-Bowl in 1956 and the All-Pro Team in 1952, 1953 and 1955. Gatski was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Honorable Mentions

John Morrow (1960-1966) | Started 90 of 90 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (61, 63)
Fred Hoaglin (1966-1972) | Started 74 of 87 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Tom DeLeone (1974-1984) | Started 104 of 149 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (79, 80)
Mike Baab (1982-1987, 1990-1991) | Started 107 of 114 Games

DE: Len Ford (1950-1957)

Now onto the defensive side of the ball. Len Ford is the first choice at defensive end. He played eight seasons in Cleveland, making four Pro-Bowls and four All-Pro Teams. He was one of the leaders on the defense for three different championship winning teams and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976.

DE: Bill Glass (1962-1968)

4 Int | 5 FR | 77.5 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64, 67)

The other defensive end is a lesser-known name, Bill Glass. Glass spent seven seasons with the Browns and had double digit sacks in four of them. He had over 15 sacks in three different seasons and is still the franchise leader in sacks today. Glass was also named to four Pro-Bowls. If Myles Garrett continues at his current rate, he could end up taking this role.

Honorable Mentions

Paul Wiggin (1957-1967) | 3 Int | 19 FR | 60.5 Sk | Led League in FR 1967 (4) | 2x Pro-Bowl (65, 67)
Jack Gregory (1967-1971, 1979) | 1 Int | 5 FR | 41 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (69)
Ron Snidow (1968-1972) | 6 FR | 15.5 Sk | 1x All-Pro (69)
Rob Burnett (1990-1995) | 2 FF | 7 FR | 40.5 Sk | 333 Tackles | 1x Pro-Bowl (94)
Myles Garrett (2017-Present) | 11 FF | 4 FR | 58.5 Sk | 203 Tackles | 59 TFL | 3x Pro-Bowl (18, 20, 21) | 2x All-Pro (20, 21)

DT: Bill Willis (1946-1953)

Bill Willis is the starter at defensive tackle. He was a member of those great Browns teams of the 1940s and 1950s. He was named to three Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams as well as the Hall of Fame All-1940s Team. Willis was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

DT: Michael Dean Perry (1988-1994)

10 FF | 7 FR | 51.5 Sk | 480 Tackles | 5x Pro-Bowl (89, 90, 91, 93, 94) | 2x All-Pro (89, 90)

The Browns have had a bunch of other great defensive tackles in their history. The best of that bunch is Michael Dean Perry. He's the brother of Bears defensive tackle, William "the refrigerator" Perry. William may be the more famous of the two, but Michael was the better football player. He had over 50 sacks with the Browns and was named to five Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. He should get more Hall of Fame consideration than he does.

Honorable Mentions

Bob Gain (1952-1964) | 1 Int | 15 FR | 14 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (57, 58, 59, 61, 62)
Don Colo (1953-1958) | 1 Int | 11 FR | 3x Pro-Bowl (54, 55, 58)
Walter Johnson (1965-1976) | 2 Int | 11 FR | 66 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (67, 68, 69)
Jerry Sherk (1970-1981) | 3 Int | 12 FR | 70.5 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (73, 74, 75, 76) | 1x All-Pro (76)
Bob Golic (1982-1988) | 1 Int | 1 FR | 14 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (85, 86, 87)

LB: Clay Matthews Jr (1978-1993)

14 Int | 24 FF | 13 FR | 75 Sk | 1,430 Tackles | Led League in FF 1983 (4) | Led League in Tackles 1979, 1981 and 1984 (103, 128, 126) | 4x Pro-Bowl (85, 87, 88, 89)

Clay Mathews Jr has waited too long to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mathews had just under 1,500 tackles and played over 230 games with the Browns at linebacker. Matthews led the league in tackles three different times and forced fumbles once. He made the Pro-Bowl in 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989. His longevity at his position is almost unprecedented and he deserves to get a gold jacket.

LB: Jim Houston (1960-1972)

14 Int | 11 FR | 29.5 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 69, 70)

The next linebacker for the All-Time Browns is Jim Houston. Houston played 13 seasons with the Browns from 1960-1972. He made the Pro-Bowl in 1964, 1965, 1969 and 1970. He had at least one interception in seven seasons and racked up over 29 sacks in his career.

Chip Banks (1982-1986)

5 Int | 6 FR | 27.5 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (82, 83, 85, 86) | 1x All-Pro (83) | 1983 Defensive Rookie of the Year

I almost went with Walt Michaels in this last spot due to his longevity with the team, but Chip Banks gets this position due to his five dominant seasons. In only five seasons with Cleveland, Banks had 27.5 sacks, including 11 sacks in 1985. He made four Pro-Bowls, one All-Pro Team and was named the 1983 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Honorable Mentions

Tony Adamle (1947-1954) | 7 Int | 6 FR | Led League in FR 1950 (5) | 2x Pro-Bowl (50, 51)
Walt Michaels (1952-1961) | 11 Int | 8 FR | 2.5 Sk | 5x Pro-Bowl (55, 56, 57, 58, 59)
Galen Fiss (1956-1966) | 13 Int | 18 FR | 6.5 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (62, 63)
Vince Costello (1957-1966) | 18 Int | 8 FR | 1.5 Sk
Charlie Hall (1971-1980) | 13 Int | 9 FR | 6.5 Sk
Mike Johnson (1986-1993) | 10 Int | 20 FF | 8 FR | 11 Sk | 974 Tackles | 2x Pro-Bowl (89, 90)
Joe Schobert (2016-2019) | 6 Int | 7 FF | 3 FR | 8.5 Sk | 408 Tackles | 15 TFL | Led League in Tackles 2017 (144) | 1x Pro-Bowl (17)

CB: Frank Minnifield (1984-1992)

20 Int | 7 FR | 4x Pro-Bowl (86, 87, 88, 89) | 1x All-Pro (88) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team

The first cornerback for the All-Time Browns is Frank Minnifield. Minnifield intercepted 20 passes during his nine seasons in Cleveland and was voted to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1986-1989 and one All-Pro Team in 1988. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team, cementing himself as one of the best corners of the decade.

CB: Hanford Dixon (1981-1989)

26 Int | 4 FR | 2 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (86, 87, 88) | 2x All-Pro (86, 87)

The other cornerback is Hanford Dixon. He was teammates with Minnifield for six seasons in the 1980s. Dixon intercepted 26 passes and was named to three straight Pro-Bowls from 1986-1988 and two straight All-Pro Teams from 1986-1987. Don Paul was almost picked here, as he made four Pro-Bowls and intercepted 22 passes, but Dixon and Minnifield make for a very solid cornerback duo.

Honorable Mentions

Warren Lahr (1949-1959) | 44 Int | 4 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (53)
Don Paul (1954-1958) | 22 Int | 6 FR | 4x Pro-Bowl (53, 56, 57, 58)
Bernie Parrish (1959-1966) | 29 Int | 5 FR | 3 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (60, 63)
Erich Barnes (1965-1971) | 18 Int | 3 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (68)
Clarence Scott (1971-1983) | 39 Int | 11 FR | 3 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (73)
Daylon McCutcheon (1999-2005) | 12 Int | 7 FF | 7 Sk | 431 Tackles | 15 TFL
Joe Haden (2010-2016) | 19 Int | 4 FF | 4 FR | 2 Sk | 377 Tackles | 3 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (13, 14)

S: Thom Darden (1972-1981)

45 Int | 9 FR | Led League in Int 1978 (10) | 1x Pro-Bowl (78)

Thom Darden is the franchise leader in interceptions and the first pick at safety for the All-Time Browns. His best season came in 1978 when he led the league in interceptions with 10. 1978 was also the only season he made the Pro-Bowl, but he was very productive in his 10 seasons in Cleveland. He had at least one interception in all 10 seasons and had at least five interceptions in five of them.

S: Eric Turner (1991-1995)

17 Int | 1 FF | 4 FR | 2 Sk | 524 Tackles | Led League in Int 1994 (9) | 1x Pro-Bowl (94) | 1x All-Pro (94)

The other safety for the All-Time Browns is Eric Turner. Turner only spent five seasons with the Browns, but he was the best defender for Browns during those seasons. He had over 500 tackles with the Browns and his best season came in 1994 when he led the league in interceptions with nine. 1994 was also his only season with the Browns where he made the Pro-Bowls and All-Pro Team. Tommy James, Ken Konz and Ross Fichtner all could be put into this position, but I'm going with Eric Turners more dominant peak than their longevity.

Honorable Mentions

Tommy James (1948-1955) | 34 Int | 5 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (53)
Ken Konz (1953-1959) | 30 Int | 6 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (55)
Ross Fichtner (1960-1967) | 27 Int | 3 FR
Ernie Kellerman (1966-1971) | 17 Int | 4 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (68)

K: Lou Groza (1946-1967)

Lou Groza is the starting kicker as well as starting offensive tackle for the All-Time Browns. He may be the only player on any All-Time Team to have that distinction. Groza only made 54.9% of his field goals, but he was so ahead of his time that I'm taking him over Phil Dawson. Groza led the league in field goals made six times, field goal percentage five times and points two times. He is also the franchise leader in points with 1,608 and no other player in history played in more games with the Browns as Lou Groza.

Honorable Mentions

Don Cockroft (1968-1980) | 65.9 FG% | 57 Long | 1,080 Points | Led League in Long 1968 and 1972 (50, 57) | Led League in FG% 1968, 1972 and 1974 (75%, 81.5%, 87.5%)
Matt Bahr (1982-1989) | 74.1 FG% | 52 Long | 677 Points
Phil Dawson (1999-2012) | 84 FG% | 56 Long | 1,271 Points | 1x Pro-Bowl (12)

P: Horace Gillom (1947-1956)

Horace Gillom is the best punter in Browns history. He averaged 43.1 yards per punt, which would be good in today's game, let alone over 60 years ago. He led the league in punt yards once, long twice and yards per punt three times. He was also named to the Pro-Bowl in 1952, the only punter in Browns history to be named to one.

Returner: Josh Cribbs (2005-2012)

At returner I'm going with Josh Cribbs, which should be no surprise to anyone. Cribbs is tied for first in NFL history in kick return touchdowns with eight and he also ranks third all-time in kick return yards and total return yards. Cribbs led the league kick return yards, yards per kick return, all-purpose yards and kick return touchdowns once each. He was named to three Pro-Bowls, one All-Pro Team and the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team. He is one of the greatest returners ever.

Honorable Mention

Bobby Mitchell (1958-1961) | 607 Punt Rt Yds | 3 Punt Rt TD | 11.2 Yds/Punt Rt | 1,550 Kick Rt Yds | 3 Kick Rt TD | 25 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt TD 1958 (1) | Led League in Kick Rt TD 1960 and 1961 (1, 1) | Led League in Yds/Kick Rt 1958 (25.2) | 1x Pro-Bowl (60) | Hall of Fame Class 1983
Eric Metcalf (1989-1994) | 1,341 Punt Rt Yds | 5 Punt Rt TD | 10.6 Yds/Punt Rt | 2,806 Kick Rt Yds | 2 Kick Rt TD | 20.2 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt TD 1993 and 1994 (2, 2) | Led League in Kick Rt Yds 1990 (1,052) | Led League in Kick Rt TD 1990 (2) | Led League in Kick Rt Long 1990 (101) | Led League in All-Purpose Yds 1993 (1,932) | 2x Pro-Bowl (93, 94) | 1x All-Pro (93)

Head Coach: Paul Brown (1946-1962)

Paul Brown is the obvious choice at head coach, the team is literally named after him! He won over 75% of his games with the Browns and led the team to 11 championship games, winning seven of them. His seven championships are the most ever by a single coach and he currently ranks seventh all time in wins and eighth in win percentage amongst coaches who have coached at least 100 games. Brown was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1967.

Honorable Mentions

Blanton Collier (1963-1970) | Regular Season: 76-34-2 | 69.1 W-L% | Playoffs: 3-4 | 1964 NFL Champion | 1963 NFL Championship Appearance
Sam Rutigliano (1978-1984) | Regular Season: 47-50 | 48.5 W-L% | Playoffs: 0-2
Marty Schottenheimer (1984-1988) | Regular Season: 44-27 | 62 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-4
Bill Belichick (1991-1995) | Regular Season: 36-40 | 45 W-L% | Playoffs: 1-1

All-Time Teams: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns All-Time Team

QB: Otto Graham (1946-1955)

RB: Jim Brown (1957-1965)

RB: Leroy Kelly (1964-1973)

WR: Dante Lavelli (1946-1956)

WR: Mac Speedie (1946-1952)

WR: Gary Collins (1962-1971)

TE: Ozzie Newsome (1978-1990)

OT: Joe Thomas (2007-2017)

OT: Lou Groza (1946-1967)

OG: Gene Hickerson (1958-1973)

OG: Jim Ray Smith (1956-1962)

C: Frank Gatski (1946-1956)

DE: Len Ford (1950-1957)

DE: Bill Glass (1962-1968)

DT: Bill Willis (1946-1953)

DT: Michael Dean Perry (1988-1994)

LB: Clay Matthews Jr (1978-1993)

LB: Jim Houston (1960-1972)

Chip Banks (1982-1986)

CB: Frank Minnifield (1984-1992)

CB: Hanford Dixon (1981-1989)

S: Thom Darden (1972-1981)

S: Eric Turner (1991-1995)

K: Lou Groza (1946-1967)

P: Horace Gillom (1947-1956)

Returner: Josh Cribbs (2005-2012)

Head Coach: Paul Brown (1946-1962)

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