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The History of the Cleveland Browns.

by Ronald D. Spieker on April 17, 2023

The History of the Cleveland Browns

The Early Years (1946-1959) The Glory Years (1960-1969) The Kardiac Kids and Beyond (1970-1988) The New Browns (1999-present) Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio, and they compete in the National Football League (NFL). The group was founded in 1946 by Arthur "Mickey" McBride and was named after its first head coach, Paul Brown. The Browns have a history of over seven decades and are characterized by periods of great success and challenges.

The Early Years (1946-1959)


The early years of the Cleveland Browns were characterized by success and dominance in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The team was founded in 1946 by Arthur "Mickey" McBride and was named after its first head coach, Paul Brown. The Browns quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the AAFC, winning four championships in a row from 1946 to 1949. 


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Under the leadership of Paul Brown, the Browns were known for their innovative and effective strategies on the field. Brown was a meticulous planner and a perfectionist who demanded excellence from his players. He emphasized precision and discipline in all aspects of the game, from practice to game day.


One of the key players for the Browns during their early years was Otto Graham, who played quarterback for the team from 1946 to 1955. Graham was a talented and intelligent player known for his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on the field. He was also a leader both on and off the field, and his presence helped to instill a winning culture within the Browns organization.


The Browns' success in the AAFC led to the league merging with the National Football League (NFL) in 1950. Despite the new competition, the Browns continued to dominate on the field, winning NFL championships in 1950, 1954, and 1955. The team also appeared in the championship game in 1951, 1952, and 1953 but lost to the Detroit Lions each time.


In addition to Graham, the Browns featured several other notable players during their early years, including running back Marion Motley and wide receiver Dante Lavelli. Motley was one of the first African American players in professional football and was known for his speed and power on the field. Lavelli was a reliable receiver known for his sure hands and precise routes.


The Browns were also innovators off the field, particularly in player scouting and personnel management. Paul Brown was one of the first coaches to use film extensively to scout opponents and evaluate his team's performance. He also implemented a system of player evaluations and scouting reports, which helped the Browns identify and acquire talented players.


Overall, the early years of the Cleveland Browns were marked by success and dominance in the AAFC and NFL. The team's innovative strategies on the field and off helped to establish it as one of the premier franchises in professional football. The legacy of the Browns' early years continues to be felt in the NFL today, particularly in player evaluation and scouting.



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The Glory Years (1960-1969)

The 1960s were a great success for the Cleveland Browns, as the team established itself as one of the dominant National Football League franchises (NFL) franchises. Led by legendary running back Jim Brown and head coach Paul Brown, the Browns won the NFL championship in 1964 and extensively appeared in the decade-long championship game.


During their glory years, one of the key players for the Browns was Jim Brown, who played for the team from 1957 to 1965. Brown was a physical and imposing presence on the field, with a rare combination of speed, power, and agility. He led the NFL in rushing eight times during his career and was named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times. Brown's performances on the field helped to establish him as one of the greatest players in NFL history.


In addition to Brown, the Browns featured several other talented players during the 1960s, including quarterback Frank Ryan, wide receiver Gary Collins, and defensive back Bernie Parrish. Ryan was a brilliant and accurate passer who played for the Browns from 1962 to 1968. Collins was a reliable receiver who played for the team from 1962 to 1971 and was named the MVP of the 1964 NFL championship game. Parrish was a hard-hitting defensive back who played for the Browns from 1959 to 1966 and was known for his aggressive play.


The Browns' success during the 1960s was mainly due to the leadership of head coach Paul Brown. Brown was a meticulous and innovative coach known for his attention to detail and emphasis on discipline. He also had a knack for identifying talented players and developing their skills to their full potential. Under Brown's leadership, the Browns established a winning culture and became one of the most respected teams in the NFL.


Despite their success during the 1960s, the Browns faced challenges. In 1963, the team was involved in a controversy over the firing of assistant coach Blanton Collier, which led to a public feud between Collier and Paul Brown. The rivalry overshadowed the team's accomplishments on the field and contributed to turmoil within the organization.


Overall, the glory years of the Cleveland Browns during the 1960s were characterized by success on the field and a winning culture off the field. The team's talented players and innovative coaching helped to establish it as one of the premier franchises in the NFL, and the legacy of those years continues to be felt in the league today.



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The Kardiac Kids and Beyond (1970-1988)


The period from 1970 to 1988 was a tumultuous time in the history of the Cleveland Browns. After a period of decline in the 1970s, the team experienced a resurgence in the 1980s, culminating in a thrilling run to the playoffs in 1980 that earned them the nickname "Kardiac Kids." However, the team faced challenges off the field, including ownership changes and stadium issues.


In the 1970s, the Browns struggled to maintain their success from the previous decade. The team went through a period of rebuilding and had only three winning seasons during the decade. However, the Browns did have some notable players during this time, including quarterback Brian Sipe, who played for the team from 1974 to 1983. Sipe was a brilliant and accurate passer named the NFL's MVP in 1980.


The Browns' fortunes began to turn around in the 1980s when the team became known as the "Kardiac Kids" for their ability to win close games. Led by Sipe, the Browns won the AFC Central Division title in 1980 and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. The team's success was mainly due to its clutch performances in tight games, including a famous comeback victory over the New York Jets in a game known as the "Monday Night Miracle."


Despite their success in 1980, the Browns struggled to maintain their momentum in the following years. The team missed the playoffs in 1981 and 1982, and Sipe was traded to the USFL in 1984. The Browns did make the playoffs in 1985 and 1986 but could not advance past the divisional round.


Off the field, the Browns also faced challenges during this time. In 1983, owner Art Modell fired head coach Sam Rutigliano and replaced him with Marty Schottenheimer. The move was controversial and contributed to a sense of instability within the organization. In addition, the team's stadium, Cleveland Municipal Stadium, needed to be updated, and renovations were required, leading to debates over whether the group should build a new stadium.


Despite these challenges, the Browns became a popular and respected team during the 1980s. The team's nickname, "Kardiac Kids," became synonymous with their ability to win close games and capture the hearts of Browns fans. The legacy of the Kardiac Kids lives on in the memories of Browns fans and the team's continued pursuit of success on the field.



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The New Browns (1999-present)

The return of the Cleveland Browns in 1999 marked a new chapter in the team's history. After a three-year absence from the National Football League (NFL), the Browns returned as an expansion team with a new ownership group and renewed excitement and optimism.


The new Browns faced many challenges in their early years. The team struggled on the field, finishing with a losing record in its first seven seasons. The team also faced challenges off the field, including ownership changes and a stadium issue that threatened to undermine the team's future in Cleveland.


Despite these challenges, the new Browns remained a favorite and beloved team in Cleveland. The team's fans, known as the "Dawg Pound," remained fiercely loyal and passionate, filling Cleveland Browns Stadium for every home game.


One of the key players for the new Browns during their early years was quarterback Tim Couch. The couch was selected with the first overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and was expected to be the team's franchise quarterback. Although he showed flashes of promise during his career, Couch was hampered by injuries and never lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him.


In 2002, the new Browns experienced a breakthrough season, finishing with a 9-7 and earning a playoff berth for the first time since their return to the NFL. The team's success was mainly due to the performance of quarterback Kelly Holcomb, who filled in for the injured Couch and led the team to the playoffs.


The new Browns struggled on the field in the following years, failing to make the playoffs again until 2020. However, the team had some notable players, including running back Peyton Hillis, who was named MVP in 2010.


The new Browns faced several ownership changes and stadium issues off the field. In 2002, the team was sold to businessman Randy Lerner, who became the team's new owner. Lerner faced criticism from fans and the media for his lack of investment in the group and its facilities.


In 2012, the Browns were sold again to businessman Jimmy Haslam. Haslam promised to invest in the team and its facilities, and in 2013, the team unveiled a new state-of-the-art training facility in Berea, Ohio.


Today, the new Browns are a competitive team with a bright future. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and a talented roster of players, the team made the playoffs in 2020 and has high expectations for the years to come.

Overall, the history of the new Cleveland Browns is characterized by challenges and perseverance. The team's loyal fans have remained committed to it through thick and thin, and its future looks bright as it continues to build toward sustained success on the field.



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Conclusion


The history of the Cleveland Browns is one of perseverance, resilience, and passion. From their early dominance in the All-America Football Conference to their resurgence in the 1980s as the "Kardiac Kids," the Browns have established themselves as a premier franchise in the National Football League (NFL).


The Browns have had their share of challenges over the years, including ownership changes, stadium issues, and periods of on-field struggles. However, through it all, the team's loyal fans have remained committed to the team, filling Cleveland Browns Stadium for every home game.


The Browns have also been known for their innovative strategies and forward-thinking approach to player evaluation and personnel management. From Paul Brown's use of film to scout opponents to the team's emphasis on analytics in recent years, the Browns have always been at the forefront of new ideas and strategies in the NFL.


Today, the Browns are a competitive team with a bright future. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and a talented roster of players, the team made the playoffs in 2020 and has high expectations for the years to come.

As the Browns continue to build towards sustained success on the field, their rich history and passionate fan base will always be integral to the team's identity. From Otto Graham and Jim Brown to Baker Mayfield and Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns have a legacy of excellence that will endure for generations.



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What is the story behind the Cleveland Browns?

The Cleveland Browns have a rich history that dates back to 1946, when the team was established as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The team was named after its first head coach, Paul Brown, who was a legendary figure in the football world. Under Brown's leadership, the Browns quickly established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the AAFC, winning four championships in the league's four-year existence. When the AAFC folded in 1949, the Browns were absorbed into the National Football League (NFL) and two other former AAFC teams. The Browns continued their success in the NFL, winning championships in 1950, 1954, 1955, and 1964. The team featured several Hall of Fame players during this time, including quarterback Otto Graham, running back Jim Brown, and wide receiver Paul Warfield. After a period of decline in the 1970s, the Browns experienced a resurgence in the 1980s, earning a playoff berth in 1980 behind the "Kardiac Kids" and making the playoffs again in 1985 and 1986. In 1995, owner Art Modell announced that he was moving the Browns to Baltimore, which was met with outrage and sadness from the team's fans in Cleveland. However, the city of Cleveland fought back, ultimately winning a legal battle that allowed them to keep the Browns' name and history, paving the way for the team's return as an expansion team in 1999. The new Browns faced many challenges in their early years, including on-field struggles and ownership changes. However, the team's loyal fans remained committed to the team, filling Cleveland Browns Stadium for every home game. Today, the Browns are a competitive team with a bright future, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and a talented roster of players. The team's legacy of excellence and passionate fan base ensures that the Cleveland Browns will continue to be a beloved and respected team in the NFL for years to come.

What were the Browns called before the Browns?

Before becoming the Cleveland Browns, the team was known as the Cleveland Rams. The Rams were founded in 1936 and played home games at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The team struggled in its early years, finishing with a losing record in its first three seasons. In 1939, the team won the NFL championship, but their success was short-lived, as they finished with a losing record in the next three seasons. In 1943, due to a shortage of players during World War II, the Rams merged with the Pittsburgh Steelers to form the "Steagles." The following year, the Rams merged with the Chicago Cardinals to create the "Card Pitt" team. In 1945, the Rams were purchased by a group led by Paul Brown and became the Cleveland Browns, establishing themselves as one of the premier franchises in the National Football League.

When did the Browns leave Cleveland?

The Cleveland Browns left Cleveland after the 1995 NFL season. In November of that year, team owner Art Modell announced that he was relocating the team to Baltimore, Maryland, citing financial difficulties and an inability to secure a new stadium in Cleveland. The move was met with outrage from Browns fans in Cleveland, who had supported the team for over 50 years. The Browns' last game in Cleveland was on December 17, 1995, in a 26-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. After the season, the team was officially moved to Baltimore and became the Baltimore Ravens.

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Ronald D. Spieker

Ronald D. Spieker is a dedicated sports blogger who has been a football fan since birth. With 7 years of experience in sports blogging, Ronald has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate commentator on all things football. He is known for his engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics in a way that is accessible to fans of all levels. Whether it's analyzing the latest game stats, delving into team strategies, or discussing the latest news from around the league, Ronald is always on top of the latest developments in football. His love for the sport shines through in every article he writes, and his readers appreciate his in-depth knowledge and insightful commentary.



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