EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the second in a five-part series entitled “250 for 250, Browns Style.” It includes items Nos. 51 through 100.
By STEVE KING
51) — Eddie Johnson’s number. One of the hardest hitters in Browns history. And no one played with more heart. He is worth 20 items on this list. Really.
52) — The number for another linebacker who hit like a sledgehammer, Dick Ambrose. It’s the reason they called him “Bam-Bam.” Also worn by Pro Football Hall of Fame center Frank “Gunner” Gatski.
53) — Ever hear of a linebacker/special teamer named Bill Cowher? He wore this number.
54) — The number for two good Browns centers, Fred Hoaglin and Kent Rosevelt High School and Ohio State product Tom DeLeone.
55) — Curtis Weathers, a Browns linebacker, donned this. He was not related to actor Carl Weathers of “Rocky” fame.
56) — Chip Banks and 1964 NFL champion center John Morrow wore this.
57) — Clay Matthews, who belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of longevity and being a three-down linebacker.
58) — Remember when Carl Banks wore this with the Browns?
59) — Mike Johnson donned this.
60) — Otto Graham, Bill Willis and John Wooten had this. Enough said.
61) — Center Mike Baab, stronger than a field of onions.
62) — This was Paul Brown’s last season in Cleveland.
63) — None other than Cody Risien.
64) — Joe D., Joe DeLamielleure, and Jim Ray Smith.
65) — Henry Sheppard, a good guard and a lot of fun.
66) — The great Gene Hickerson, who else?
67) — Frank Ryan’s last good season.
68) — Robert Jackson, who withstood a one-on-one drill with Walter Johnson to make the team as a rookie free agent.
69) — Jim Kanicki, who had a super game against the great Jim Parker in the 1964 title game.
70) — The first season of the new NFL after the AFL merger.
71) — Walter Johnson, one of the best defensive tackles in Browns history.
72) — Played alongside Johnson and was the best tackle the Browns have ever had.
73) — When Joe Thomas was given this number, Doug Dieken joked that he was destined for greatness.
74) — Mike McCormack, one of the best right tackles in NFL history.
75) — Mr. Joel Bitonio.
76) — When team headquarters sets on a street named for him, even with his number, you know Lou Groza is special.
77) — Can someone give me a good reason why Dick Schafrath is not a Hall of Famer?
78) — “Big Daddy” Carl Hairston.
79) — There was no better defensive tackle in the game when Bob Gain played.
80) — Len Ford dominated at defensive end.
81) — If only Jack Gregory had not gone to the New York Giants.
82) — A star on both sides of the ball in Ozzie Newsome and Jim Houston.
83) — Johnny Brewer made plays first at tight end and then outside linebacker.
84) — Paul Wiggin, a great defensive end and an even better man. And Web-Star Slaughter.
85) — Dave Logan, the man with the hands who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.
86) — Dante Lavelli, Dub Jones, Gary Collins and Brian Brennan. Wow!
87) — The second straight year that the Browns almost made it to the Super Bowl.
88) — Mac Speedie and Reggie Langhorne.
89) — Milt Morin and . . . John Havlicek!
90) — Edgar “Special Delivery” Jones.
91) — Henry Bradley, from truck driver to nose tackle.
92) — Michael Dean Perry. Man, was he good!
93) — That’s the year when Eric Metcalf scored one touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers and then returned to score another.
94) — The year that Bill Belichick finally broke through.
95) — Myles Garrett, Myles Garrett, Myles Garrett, we will certainly miss ya.
96) — Don Shula wore this number in 1951.
97) — Ryan Kuehl, who earned a doctorate in long snapping.
98) — Carl Taseff, Shula’s buddy, donned this in 1951.
99) — Who didn’t just love Orpheus Roye?
100) — What will the Browns be like when they turn 100 in 2046?
NEXT: Part 3, Nos. 101-150.
Steve King
