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Table of Contents
Cleveland Browns
Founded in 1945
The Browns were established by Arthur B. McBride and began play in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946.1)
Named After Paul Brown
The team is named after its first coach and co-founder, Paul Brown, one of football's greatest innovators.2)
AAFC Dominance
They won all four AAFC championships (1946-1949) before the league merged with the NFL.3)
NFL Success
In their first NFL season (1950), the Browns won the championship, defeating the Los Angeles Rams.4)
Paul Brown's Innovations
Paul Brown introduced play-calling from the sideline via guards and later via messenger players, a precursor to modern communication systems.5)
Eight Championships
The Browns have won eight championships—four in the AAFC and four in the NFL before the Super Bowl era (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964).6)
1964 Championship
Their last championship win was in 1964, shutting out the Baltimore Colts 27-0.7)
Jim Brown
Legendary running back Jim Brown led the team to three NFL championships and retired as the NFL's all-time leading rusher.8)
Jim Brown's Dominance
He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and won three MVP awards during his career (1957–1965).9)
Lou Groza
Known as “The Toe,” Groza was a Browns lifer, excelling as both a placekicker and offensive tackle.10)
Otto Graham
The quarterback led the team to ten straight championship games from 1946 to 1955.11)
Paul Warfield
The Hall of Fame wide receiver began and ended his career with the Browns.12)
Clay Matthews Jr.
Played 16 seasons with the Browns and is one of the franchise's all-time greats.13)
Bernie Kosar
The hometown hero quarterbacked the team during their successful 1980s seasons.14)
Ozzie Newsome
The Hall of Fame tight end became one of the NFL's first great receiving tight ends.15)
Joe Thomas
The offensive tackle played 10,363 consecutive snaps over 11 seasons, a record in the NFL.16)
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Browns have a fierce rivalry with the Steelers, often called one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries.17)
Cincinnati Bengals
Known as the “Battle of Ohio,” this rivalry has roots in Paul Brown founding both teams.18)
Baltimore Ravens
The rivalry is fueled by the Browns’ controversial move to Baltimore in 1995.19)
The Drive (1986)
John Elway's 98-yard drive in the AFC Championship game is one of the most infamous moments in Browns history.20)
The Fumble (1987)
Earnest Byner's fumble near the goal line in another AFC Championship loss to Denver.21)
The Return
In 1999, the Browns returned to the NFL after a three-year hiatus due to the franchise moving to Baltimore.22)
FirstEnergy Stadium
The team’s home since 1999 is known for its passionate fans, who endure harsh weather to support the Browns.23)
Dawg Pound
The Browns' raucous fan section originated in the 1980s and remains a defining feature of home games.24)
Municipal Stadium
Before FirstEnergy Stadium, the Browns played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, a multipurpose venue.25)
Art Modell’s Move
In 1995, owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore, where they became the Ravens.26)
Al Lerner and Randy Lerner
Purchased the rights to the new Browns in 1998, ensuring their 1999 return.27)
Jimmy and Dee Haslam
Current owners, who acquired the team in 2012.28)
NFL's Only Perfect Season
The 1948 Browns went undefeated (15-0) in the AAFC.29)
Jim Brown’s Career Yards
Brown’s 12,312 rushing yards were an NFL record for over two decades.30)