Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns were established in 1944 and began play in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The team was named after its first coach, Paul Brown, a significant figure in football history, known for his innovations and successful coaching career. The Browns were dominant in the AAFC, winning all four championships in the league’s existence from 1946 to 1949.

AAFC Dominance

1946 AAFC Championship
1947 AAFC Championship
1948 AAFC Championship
1949 AAFC Championship

The Browns’ dominance in the AAFC prompted the NFL to merge with the AAFC in 1950. As part of the merger, the Browns, along with the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Colts, joined the NFL.

Early NFL Success

The Browns continued their success in the NFL, winning the league championship in their first year. Under the leadership of Paul Brown and star players like Otto Graham, Marion Motley, and Lou Groza, the Browns became a formidable team in the NFL.

1950 NFL Championship
1954 NFL Championship
1955 NFL Championship
1964 NFL Championship

The team’s early success was characterized by innovative strategies, a strong running game, and solid defense. Otto Graham, the quarterback, played a crucial role in the team’s offensive prowess, leading them to numerous victories.

The Post-Paul Brown Era

In 1963, Paul Brown was fired by team owner Art Modell, a decision that marked the end of an era. Blanton Collier replaced Brown as head coach, and the team continued to perform well, culminating in their 1964 NFL Championship, the last league championship the Browns have won to date.

The Kardiac Kids and the 1980s

The 1980s saw the rise of a new era of Browns football, often referred to as the “Kardiac Kids.” Under head coach Sam Rutigliano and quarterback Brian Sipe, the Browns became known for their dramatic, last-minute victories. In 1980, Sipe won the NFL MVP award, leading the Browns to the AFC Central Division title. However, the team’s playoff run was cut short by a loss to the Oakland Raiders in a game known as “Red Right 88.”

The mid-1980s brought another period of success with head coach Marty Schottenheimer and quarterback Bernie Kosar. The Browns reached the AFC Championship Game three times in four years (1986, 1987, 1989) but fell short each time, famously losing to the Denver Broncos in games known as “The Drive” and “The Fumble.”

The Move and Return

In 1995, Art Modell announced he was moving the Browns to Baltimore, where they would become the Baltimore Ravens. This decision was met with significant outrage from fans and the city of Cleveland. After legal battles and negotiations, the NFL agreed to suspend operations of the Browns franchise and promised to reactivate the team with a new owner by 1999.

The Browns returned to the NFL in 1999 as an expansion team, retaining their history, colors, and records. However, the team struggled to regain its former glory, enduring many losing seasons and frequent changes in coaching and management.

Recent Years

Despite moments of promise, including a playoff appearance in 2002, the Browns have often found themselves in the lower tiers of the NFL standings. The 2010s were particularly challenging, with numerous coaching changes and rebuilding efforts.