Since the Browns joined the NFL in 1950, the team has had 16 players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and dozens of impactful players who won championships and led teams to the American Football Conference Championships.
When deciding who, out of all of those years of talent, are the best 10 players of all time, there are various factors to address. In order to determine this list, I looked at each player’s stats, impact on games as a player, impact on the franchise through influence, years as a Brown, and accolades, such asPro Bowls, All-Pro selections, MVP awards and Hall of Fame inductions.
Despite the lack of generational talent between the Browns’ return in 1999 and 2019, the Browns have some of the best historical talents in NFL history.
Hanford Dixon was a cornerback who dominated as a core piece in the Browns’ staunch defense of the ’80s. He was part of five top-10 defenses during his career and ranks in the top-10 of all-time for Browns’ interceptions. However, Dixon makes this list for more than just his talent on the field; he also created the modern-day “Dawg Pound.
The reason the Browns made a dog their mascot is because of Dixon. During games, he would bark to his teammates to hype them up on big plays, and at the fans in celebration. Soon the fans did the same, leading to the creation of the Dawg Pound section of the stadium, a place notorious for die-hard fans.
Today the Browns run SJ the Bullmastiff out before every game, and the bulldog logo is seen in the stadium and on merchandise. Without Dixon, none of the barking on Sundays would be heard.
Clay Matthews Jr. was a dominant linebacker in his 16 seasons with the Browns. He was dangerous in all areas, whether tackling, pass-rushing or in coverage. During his time with the Browns, he had over 100 tackles in a season eight times. He currently leads the Browns franchise in career tackles with 1,430. He also added 14 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and 62 sacks with Cleveland.
In 1989, Matthews intercepted a pass from Jim Kelly, sealing a victory to send the Browns to the AFC Championship. He’s the father of Clay Matthews III and Casey Matthews, who both played in the NFL as well.
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