Browns 10 Best Players of All Time

#10: Leroy Kelly (1964–1973)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 202 lbs

Leroy Kelly took over as the Browns’ starting running back after Jim Brown’s retirement in 1966, and he immediately established himself as one of the best in the league. 

Kelly was known for his elusive running style and his ability to break big plays, both as a running back and a punt/kick returner. Over the course of his career, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns twice and was a key figure in keeping the Browns competitive during the late 1960s and early 1970s. 

His versatility as a receiver out of the backfield and his contribution on special teams set him apart from other backs of his time.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x Pro Bowler
• 2x NFL Rushing Champion (1967, 1968)
• 4x First-Team All-Pro
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1994)
• 7,274 career rushing yards and 74 rushing touchdowns

#9: Clay Matthews Jr. (1978–1993)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 245 lbs

Clay Matthews Jr. was one of the most durable and consistent linebackers in NFL history. Known for his toughness and football IQ, Matthews played an incredible 16 seasons with the Browns, racking up over 1,500 tackles. 

He was a key defensive leader and earned four Pro Bowl selections during his time in Cleveland. His ability to cover sideline to sideline and make plays in both the run and pass game made him a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense for over a decade.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 4x Pro Bowler
• 1,561 career tackles
• Member of the team’s Ring of Honor

#8: Dante Lavelli (1946–1956)

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 191 lbs

Dante Lavelli, known as “Gluefingers,” was one of the most reliable receivers of his era. Playing for the Browns in the AAFC and NFL, Lavelli was a favorite target of quarterback Otto Graham. 

His sure hands and knack for making big catches in crucial moments helped the Browns win multiple championships. Lavelli finished his career with three Pro Bowl selections and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x NFL Champion
• 3x Pro Bowler
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1975)

#7: Lou Groza (1946–1959, 1961–1967)

• Position: Kicker/Offensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 240 lbs

Lou Groza, nicknamed “The Toe,” was one of the most versatile players in NFL history. He served as both the Browns’ starting offensive tackle and kicker for much of his career, excelling at both positions. 

Groza was known for his powerful leg and clutch kicking, which helped the Browns win multiple championships. In addition to his kicking prowess, Groza was a dominant force on the offensive line, protecting the quarterback and opening up holes for running backs.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 9x Pro Bowler
• 4x NFL Champion
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1974)

#6: Marion Motley (1946–1953)

• Position: Fullback/Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 232 lbs

Marion Motley was one of the most physically dominant players of his era. As a powerful fullback, Motley could bulldoze through defenses, and as a linebacker, he was a force to be reckoned with on defense. 

Motley was instrumental in the Browns’ early success in the AAFC and NFL, helping the team win multiple championships. His combination of size, speed, and toughness made him one of the most feared players in the league. Motley was also a trailblazer, helping to break the NFL’s color barrier in the 1940s.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5x All-Pro
• 4x AAFC Champion, 1x NFL Champion
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1968)

#5: Myles Garrett (2017–Present)

• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 272 lbs

Myles Garrett has quickly become one of the most feared pass-rushers in the NFL. Drafted first overall in 2017, Garrett has lived up to the hype with his incredible combination of size, speed, and athleticism. 

Known for his explosive first step and ability to overpower offensive linemen, Garrett has racked up double-digit sack totals in multiple seasons, making him a key piece of the Browns’ defense. 

As of 2023, Garrett holds the franchise record for sacks, surpassing legends who came before him. In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Garrett has also been effective against the run, showcasing his versatility as a defensive end.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 4x Pro Bowler
• 2x First-Team All-Pro
• Browns franchise leader in sacks
• Over 75 career sacks (as of 2023)

#4: Ozzie Newsome (1978–1990)

• Position: Tight End
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 232 lbs

Ozzie Newsome was one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game. Known as “The Wizard of Oz,” Newsome was a reliable target for Browns quarterbacks and one of the first true receiving tight ends in the NFL. 

Newsome was a model of consistency throughout his career, retiring with 662 receptions, which was a record for tight ends at the time. Not only was he a standout player, but Newsome also became a trailblazer off the field as the first African-American general manager in NFL history with the Baltimore Ravens, where he built two Super Bowl-winning teams.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x Pro Bowler
• 2x First-Team All-Pro
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1999)
• Over 7,980 career receiving yards

#3: Paul Warfield (1964–1969, 1976–1977)

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 188 lbs

Paul Warfield was one of the most graceful and explosive wide receivers in NFL history. Known for his speed, smooth route-running, and ability to make acrobatic catches, Warfield was a game-changing deep threat for the Browns. 

He averaged an incredible 20.1 yards per catch over his career, making him one of the most efficient receivers in NFL history. 

Warfield was a key player for the Browns in the 1960s before moving to the Miami Dolphins, where he won two Super Bowls. He returned to Cleveland to finish his career, leaving a lasting legacy with the team.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 8x Pro Bowler
• 6x First-Team All-Pro
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1983)
• 427 career receptions, 8,565 receiving yards, 85 touchdowns

#2: Otto Graham (1946–1955)

• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 196 lbs

Otto Graham is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Leading the Browns from their inception in the AAFC to their dominance in the NFL, Graham led the team to 10 championship game appearances in 10 seasons, winning seven of them. 

Graham was known for his leadership, accuracy, and toughness, setting records for passing efficiency that stood for decades. 

His ability to both pass and run made him a dual-threat quarterback long before that style was common in the NFL. Graham retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns and was a key figure in shaping the Browns’ early success.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x NFL Champion, 4x AAFC Champion
• 5x Pro Bowler
• 7x First-Team All-Pro
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1965)
• 23,584 passing yards, 174 passing touchdowns

#1: Jim Brown (1957–1965)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 232 lbs

Jim Brown is widely regarded as not only the greatest Cleveland Browns player of all time but also one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL. 

A powerful and dominant runner, Brown revolutionized the position with his combination of size, speed, and agility. Brown led the NFL in rushing yards in eight of his nine seasons and still holds multiple records despite retiring over 50 years ago. 

Known for his durability, Brown never missed a game in his career and retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. His impact on the field was matched by his influence off the field as a civil rights advocate and a symbol of excellence in sports.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x NFL MVP
• 9x Pro Bowler
• 8x First-Team All-Pro
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1971)
• 12,312 career rushing yards, 106 rushing touchdowns