Cleveland Browns

A National Football League team based in Cleveland?, Ohio, USA.

In some accounts there is confusion over the history of the Cleveland Browns. This is due to the unusual and unprecedented actions taken by the city of Cleveland? and the National Football League following the relocation of the team to Baltimore? in 1995. The deal made between these two parties stipulates that the team name, colors, and history of the franchise were to remain in Cleveland?. For that reason, past records and [Hall of Fame]? players are attributed to the Cleveland Browns and not to the Baltimore Ravens. See the Franchise History entry below for full details of the move.

Founded: 1946, in the All-American Football Conference; joined NFL in 1950.

Home stadium: [Cleveland Browns Stadium]?

Uniform colors: Orange and Brown

Helmet design: Orange helmet with brown and white center stripe. No logo.

League championships won: AAFC: 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949. NFL: 1950, 1954, 1955, 1964.

Franchise history

The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1946 under owner Arthur McBride?. The team was named after head coach [Paul Brown]?, although Mr. Brown was uncomfortable with the idea of having the team named after him and stated publically that the team was named after boxing champion [Joe Lewis]? who was known as the "Brown Bomber". The Cleveland Browns were extremely successful in the early part of their existence, dominating the [All-American Football Conference]?, and later winning 4 NFL championships.
In 1995 owner [Art Modell]? announced he was moving the team to Baltimore?. The announcement was met with much resistence from the fans of the Cleveland Browns, and in 1996 the NFL awarded that the team name, colors, and heritage were to remain the rights of Cleveland?. The existing team was renamed to the Baltimore Ravens. The Cleveland Browns returned to play in 1999 under owners [Alfred Lerner]? and [Carmen A. Policy]?, and head coach [Chris Palmer]?.
The Cleveland Browns returned with two losing seasons, and in 2001 coach [Butch Davis]? replaced [Chris Palmer]?.

Players of note

[Football Hall of Fame]?rs: [Jim Brown]?, [Paul Brown]?, [Len Ford]?, [Frank Gatski]?, [Otto Graham]?, [Lou Groza]?, [Leroy Kelly]?, [Dante Lavelli]?, [Mike McCormack]?, [Bobby Mitchell]?, [Marion Mortley]?, [Ozzie Newsome]?, [Paul Warfield]?, [Bill Willis]?

Current stars: [Tim Couch]?(QB)

Retired numbers:

Not to be forgotten: [Bernie Kosar]?(QB)