The Cleveland Browns, a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio, have had a long and storied history, with many notable players and coaches contributing to their success over the years. One of the most important positions on any football team is the quarterback, and the Browns have had a number of talented signal-callers lead their offense throughout their history.
In recent years, the Browns have struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position, but they have made some significant changes in recent seasons in an effort to address this issue. In 2020, they traded for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had previously played for the Oklahoma Sooners in college. Mayfield showed promise in his first season with the Browns, leading the team to a 11-5 record and a playoff berth. However, he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the 2021 season, and the Browns have missed the playoffs.
Despite the struggles of recent seasons, the Browns have a rich history of quarterback play. Let's take a look at some of the most notable quarterbacks in Browns history.
Who is the Cleveland Browns Quarterback?
The Cleveland Browns have had a long and storied history at the quarterback position, with many notable players leading the team's offense over the years.
- Otto Graham: Hall of Famer, led Browns to 10 championship games
- Jim Brown: Hall of Famer, one of the greatest running backs ever
- Brian Sipe: Led Browns to their first AFC Championship in 1980
- Bernie Kosar: Led Browns to three AFC Championship games in the 1980s
- Baker Mayfield: Current Browns quarterback, led team to playoffs in 2020
- Colt McCoy: Led Browns to a 10-6 record in 2010
- Tim Couch: Former No. 1 overall pick, led Browns to playoffs in 2002
- Frank Ryan: Led Browns to their first NFL Championship in 1964
Despite the struggles of recent seasons, the Browns have a rich history of quarterback play. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Browns are hoping to return to the playoffs soon.
Otto Graham: Hall of Famer, led Browns to 10 championship games
Otto Graham is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1955 and led the team to 10 championship games, including seven in a row from 1946 to 1952. Graham was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player three times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
Graham was a master of the T-formation offense, which was popular in the 1940s and 1950s. He was a pinpoint passer and a dangerous runner, and he was also known for his leadership and toughness. Graham was the heart and soul of the Browns' offense, and he was one of the main reasons why the team was so successful during his tenure.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Graham was also a pioneer off the field. He was one of the first African-American quarterbacks to play in the NFL, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport. Graham was also a successful businessman and philanthropist, and he was a beloved figure in the Cleveland community.
Otto Graham is a true legend of the game of football. He was a great player, a great leader, and a great man. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Graham's success with the Browns helped to establish the team as one of the most dominant franchises in the NFL during the 1940s and 1950s. He is considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his jersey number, 14, has been retired by the Browns.
Jim Brown: Hall of Famer, one of the greatest running backs ever
Jim Brown is widely considered to be the greatest running back in NFL history. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965 and rushed for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns in just nine seasons. Brown was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player three times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
- Dominant Running Style: Brown was a powerful and elusive runner who could both power through defenders and outrun them. He had a unique combination of size, speed, and agility that made him unstoppable.
- Record-Breaking Performances: Brown set numerous records during his career, including the NFL single-season rushing record (1,863 yards in 1963) and the NFL career rushing record (12,312 yards). He also led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns eight times each.
- Impact on the Browns: Brown was the centerpiece of the Browns' offense during his time with the team. He helped the Browns win three NFL championships and was a major factor in their dominance of the league in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Legacy: Brown is considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He was a pioneer for African-American players in the NFL and helped to change the way the game was played. Brown's jersey number, 32, has been retired by the Browns.
Jim Brown was a truly special player who revolutionized the running back position. He was a dominant force on the field and a true game-changer. He is one of the most iconic players in NFL history and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of football players to come.
Brian Sipe: Led Browns to their first AFC Championship in 1980
Brian Sipe was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 1974 to 1983. He led the Browns to their first AFC Championship game in 1980, and he was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year that season. Sipe was known for his accurate passing and his ability to make big plays.
Sipe's journey to the NFL was not an easy one. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 1972, but he was released by the team after just one season. He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots before finally landing with the Browns in 1974.
Sipe did not become a starter for the Browns until 1977, but he quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He led the Browns to the playoffs in four of his six seasons as a starter, and he was named to the Pro Bowl twice.
The highlight of Sipe's career came in 1980, when he led the Browns to their first AFC Championship game. The Browns lost to the Oakland Raiders in that game, but Sipe's performance that season earned him the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award.
Sipe retired from the NFL after the 1983 season. He finished his career with 23,729 passing yards, 154 touchdowns, and 136 interceptions. He was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor in 1994.
Bernie Kosar: Led Browns to three AFC Championship games in the 1980s
Bernie Kosar was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1993. He led the Browns to three AFC Championship games in the 1980s, and he was named to the Pro Bowl four times. Kosar was known for his strong arm, his mobility, and his leadership.
- Early Success: Kosar took over as the Browns' starting quarterback in 1985 and quickly led the team to the playoffs. He was named the NFL's Rookie of the Year that season and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
- The Drive: Kosar's most famous moment came in the 1986 AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos. With the Browns trailing 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, Kosar led the team on a 98-yard touchdown drive that tied the game and sent it into overtime. The Browns eventually lost the game, but Kosar's performance that day is still considered to be one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.
- Continued Success: Kosar continued to lead the Browns to the playoffs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
- Injuries and Controversy: Kosar's career was derailed by injuries in the early 1990s. He was also involved in a salary dispute with the Browns, which led to him being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1993.
Kosar finished his career with 23,308 passing yards, 124 touchdowns, and 87 interceptions. He was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor in 2005.
Baker Mayfield: Current Browns quarterback, led team to playoffs in 2020
Baker Mayfield is the current quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. He was drafted by the Browns with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 in 2020.
- Early Career: Mayfield played college football at Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2017. He was considered to be one of the best quarterback prospects in recent years.
- Rookie Season: Mayfield started 13 games for the Browns in his rookie season in 2018. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
- 2020 Season: Mayfield took a big step forward in his second season in the NFL. He led the Browns to a 11-5 record and their first playoff appearance since 2002. Mayfield threw for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2020.
- 2021 Season: Mayfield struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the 2021 season. He missed several games due to injury, and the Browns finished with a 8-9 record and missed the playoffs.
Mayfield is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2022. He is hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2021 season and lead the Browns back to the playoffs.
Colt McCoy: Led Browns to a 10-6 record in 2010
Colt McCoy was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 2010 to 2013. He led the Browns to a 10-6 record in 2010, which was their first winning season since 2007.
- College Career: McCoy played college football at Texas, where he was a three-year starter. He was known for his accuracy and his ability to make plays with his feet.
- 2010 Season: McCoy took over as the Browns' starting quarterback in 2010 after Brady Quinn was injured. He led the Browns to a 10-6 record and their first winning season since 2007. McCoy threw for 2,538 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2010.
- 2011 Season: McCoy started the first 13 games of the 2011 season, but he suffered a season-ending concussion in Week 13. The Browns finished with a 4-12 record in 2011.
- 2012 and 2013 Seasons: McCoy started 12 games in 2012 and 10 games in 2013. He was injured for most of the 2013 season.
McCoy was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. He has since played for the Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals.
Tim Couch: Former No. 1 overall pick, led Browns to playoffs in 2002
Tim Couch was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2003. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. Couch led the Browns to the playoffs in 2002, but he was plagued by injuries throughout his career.
Couch played college football at Kentucky, where he was a two-time All-American. He was known for his strong arm and his ability to make plays with his feet. The Browns selected Couch with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.
Couch started 10 games as a rookie in 1999, but he missed the entire 2000 season with a thumb injury. He returned to the starting lineup in 2001 and led the Browns to a 7-9 record. In 2002, Couch led the Browns to a 9-7 record and their first playoff appearance since 1994. However, the Browns lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round.
Couch was injured again in 2003 and missed most of the season. He was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 2004, but he never played a game for the team. Couch retired from the NFL after the 2004 season.
Couch's career was cut short by injuries, but he showed flashes of his potential during his time with the Browns. He was a talented quarterback who had a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his feet.
Frank Ryan: Led Browns to their first NFL Championship in 1964
Frank Ryan was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 1958 to 1964. He led the Browns to their first NFL Championship in 1964.
Ryan played college football at Boston College, where he was a three-year starter. He was known for his strong arm and his ability to run the ball. The Browns selected Ryan in the first round of the 1958 NFL Draft.
Ryan became the Browns' starting quarterback in 1960. He led the Browns to the NFL Championship Game in 1960 and 1961, but they lost both games to the Green Bay Packers. In 1964, Ryan finally led the Browns to the NFL Championship. The Browns defeated the Baltimore Colts 27-0 in the championship game.
Ryan retired from the NFL after the 1964 season. He finished his career with 12,678 passing yards, 88 touchdowns, and 90 interceptions. He was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor in 1977.
Ryan was a tough and talented quarterback who led the Browns to their first NFL Championship. He was a key member of the Browns' dominant teams of the early 1960s.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cleveland Browns quarterback:
Question 1: Who is the current quarterback for the Cleveland Browns?
Answer 1: Baker Mayfield is the current quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
Question 2: Who was the Browns' quarterback during their first NFL Championship in 1964?
Answer 2: Frank Ryan was the Browns' quarterback during their first NFL Championship in 1964.
Question 3: Who led the Browns to their first AFC Championship game in 1980?
Answer 3: Brian Sipe led the Browns to their first AFC Championship game in 1980.
Question 4: Who was the Browns' quarterback during "The Drive" in the 1986 AFC Championship game?
Answer 4: Bernie Kosar was the Browns' quarterback during "The Drive" in the 1986 AFC Championship game.
Question 5: Who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and led the Browns to the playoffs in 2002?
Answer 5: Tim Couch was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and led the Browns to the playoffs in 2002.
Question 6: Who was the Browns' quarterback when they had a 10-6 record in 2010?
Answer 6: Colt McCoy was the Browns' quarterback when they had a 10-6 record in 2010.
Question 7: Who is considered to be the greatest quarterback in Browns history?
Answer 7: Otto Graham is considered to be the greatest quarterback in Browns history.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Cleveland Browns quarterback. For more information, please visit the Cleveland Browns official website.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some additional tips for learning more about the Cleveland Browns quarterback:
Tips
Here are some practical tips for learning more about the Cleveland Browns quarterback:
Tip 1: Watch Browns games. The best way to learn about the Browns quarterback is to watch them play. Pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses, and how they interact with their teammates.
Tip 2: Read about the Browns quarterback. There are many resources available online and in print that can provide you with information about the Browns quarterback. Read articles, watch interviews, and listen to podcasts to learn more about their career and their personal life.
Tip 3: Follow the Browns quarterback on social media. Many Browns quarterbacks are active on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Following them on social media can give you a glimpse into their personal life and their thoughts on the game.
Tip 4: Attend a Browns game. If you have the opportunity, attend a Browns game in person. This is a great way to see the Browns quarterback in action and to experience the excitement of a live NFL game.
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By following these tips, you can learn more about the Cleveland Browns quarterback and become a more informed fan.
Now that you know more about the Cleveland Browns quarterback, you can enjoy watching them play and rooting for them on game day.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns have had a long and storied history at the quarterback position. From Otto Graham to Jim Brown to Bernie Kosar to Baker Mayfield, the Browns have been led by some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
In recent years, the Browns have struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. However, they have made some significant changes in recent seasons in an effort to address this issue. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Browns are hoping to return to the playoffs soon.
Whether you are a lifelong Browns fan or a new fan just learning about the team, there is no denying the importance of the quarterback position. The Browns quarterback is the face of the franchise and the player who is responsible for leading the team to victory.
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We hope this article has helped you learn more about the Cleveland Browns quarterback. Be sure to follow the Browns quarterback on social media and tune in to watch them play on game day. Go Browns!