The individual statistics for the early Browns players aren’t what they appear to be.

They’re better.

Those who played for the team in the All-America Football Conference and the NFL officially get credit only for their time in the latter league. Again, it’s as if the AAFC never existed, and the players’ accomplishments didn’t happen.

Let’s take a look at how some of the more prominent Browns of that era have been affected.

Officially, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham completed 872 of 1,565 passes (55.7 percent) for 13,499 yards and 88 touchdowns with 94 interceptions. But in reality, including his AFFC statistics, he completed 1,464 of 2,626 attempts (55.8) for 23,584 yards and 174 TDs with 135 interceptions. That would move him up to third in completions, second in yards and first in touchdowns on the team’s career lists.

Graham’s favorite target for 10 years was HOF wide receiver Dante Lavelli, who officially has 244 receptions for 3,908 yards (16.0 yards-per-catch average) and 33 touchdowns. Add in his AAFC numbers and his stats go up to 386 receptions for 6,488 yards (16.8) and 62 touchdowns. That would advance him to second in catches, second in yards, tied for sixth in average yards per reception and second in TDs.

Marion Motley, a Hall of Fame fullback, officially rushed 339 times for 1,696 yards (5.0 yards-per-carry average) and five touchdowns. With his AAFC stats, he would have 878 rushes for 4,720 yards (5.4) and 31 scores. That would move him to sixth in yards, tied for first in average yards per attempt and fifth in TDs.

Hall of Fame kicker-left tackle Lou Groza is given credit for scoring a club-record 1,349 points. That would jump to 1,708 points. In addition, his 17 seasons played, a club mark, would go to 21, and his 216 games, which stand second, would increase to 268, enabling him to move into first place.