The Cleveland Browns have a rich history filled with talented players who have left a lasting impact on the team and the city. From legendary quarterbacks to dominant defensive players, the Browns have seen it all. However, narrowing down the top 10 players in Browns history was no easy task. After careful consideration and analysis, here are the 10 best Browns players of all time, ranked.
1. Jim Brown
It’s impossible to talk about the best Browns players without mentioning Jim Brown. The running back played for the Browns from 1957 to 1965 and is widely considered one of the greatest players in NFL history. Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowler, eight-time First-Team All-Pro, and three-time NFL MVP. He also led the league in rushing yards for eight out of his nine seasons and was a key part of the Browns’ 1964 NFL Championship win.
2. Otto Graham
Another Browns legend, Otto Graham, was the quarterback for the team from 1946 to 1955. He led the Browns to 10 straight championship games, winning seven of them. Graham was a six-time First-Team All-Pro and was named the NFL MVP in 1953. He also holds the record for the highest career winning percentage for a quarterback at .814.
3. Lou Groza
Known as “The Toe,” Lou Groza was a dominant offensive tackle and kicker for the Browns from 1946 to 1967. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, eight-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. Groza was also a key part of the Browns’ championship wins in 1950, 1954, and 1955.
4. Ozzie Newsome
Ozzie Newsome played tight end for the Browns from 1978 to 1990 and is considered one of the greatest at his position. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Newsome was also the first tight end to record over 1,000 receiving yards in a season and was a key part of the Browns’ success in the 1980s.
5. Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas was a dominant offensive tackle for the Browns from 2007 to 2017. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler, seven-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Thomas was also the first player in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons. He was a consistent force on the Browns’ offensive line and is considered one of the best tackles in NFL history.
6. Paul Warfield
Paul Warfield played wide receiver for the Browns from 1964 to 1969 and again from 1976 to 1977. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Warfield was known for his speed and agility, making him a dangerous threat on the field. He was also a key part of the Browns’ championship win in 1964.
7. Leroy Kelly
Leroy Kelly took over the running back position after Jim Brown’s retirement and did not disappoint. He played for the Browns from 1964 to 1973 and was a six-time Pro Bowler, five-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. Kelly led the league in rushing yards twice and was a key part of the Browns’ success in the 1960s.
8. Clay Matthews Jr.
Clay Matthews Jr. played linebacker for the Browns from 1978 to 1993 and was a dominant force on defense. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Matthews was known for his toughness and leadership on the field and was a key part of the Browns’ defense for over a decade.
9. Frank Minnifield
Frank Minnifield was a standout cornerback for the Browns from 1984 to 1992. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro,