The Cleveland Browns, despite how you might think about them today, are actually quite a historically accomplished
professional football franchise. They sport a long and rich history filled with some of the best players in the history
of professional football, as well as quite a few championships back before the Super Bowl was a thing. They have also unfortunately
been the victims of constant and nonstop agonizing heartbreak over the years, especially if the 80s and 80s, and, ever since then,
have never gotten as close as they were in those days to making the first Super Bowl appearance in the franchise's history. In fact,
since 1999, they have often been the poster child for what not to do and have often been the laughing stock and punching bag for the
rest of the NFL. They have faced nonstop humiliation and embarrassment over the years, oftentimes finding ways to outdo themselves
every single time. Despite all of that, the Browns retain the support of what might be the loudest, most passionate, most dedicated
and most loyal fanbases in the entirety of the NFL. This website will attempt to break down the long, rich and troubled history of
the Cleveland Browns as best as it possibly can. The history of the Browns has been broken up into three distinct eras, "The Founding and
Dynasty Days", "Close Calls and Relocation" and "Rebirth and Endless Pain". Below you will find a basic breakdown of what each of these eras
entails.
The Founding and the Dynasty Days (1946-1964)
The founding of the Cleveland Browns, including how they got their name.
The period of absolute dominance for the Browns from 1946-1955, including mentioning players such as Otto Graham, Marion Motley and Lou Groza.
The Jim Brown era of the Browns, which came after Otto Graham retired, and why he is considered one of the best players in NFL history
as well as the best player in Browns franchise history.
Close Calls and Relocation (1965-1995)
The Kardiac Kids era, led by Brian Sipe, including the infamous "Red Right 88" moment vs the Raiders in the playoffs.
The Bernie Kosar years, which also featured an outstanding defense led by players such as Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield
(who were the original driving forces behind what eventually became the Dawg Pound), including the heartbreaking back to back
defeats in the AFC Championship game at the hands of John Elway and the Denver Broncos, known as "The Drive" and "The Fumble".
The decision by then team owner Art Modell to move the Browns to Baltimore in 1995, eventually becoming the Baltimore Ravens, and the
outrage and heartbreak that it caused.
Rebirth and Endless Pain (1999-Present)
The Browns return to the NFL in 1999 and the struggles that followed.
The seemingly endless playoff drought and revolving door of quarterbacks. Also, the back to back years where the Browns
hit rock bottom, going a combined 1-31 in 2016 and 2017, with 2017 being the infamous 0-16 season.
The brief fleeting moments of hope following the drafting of QB Baker Mayfield in 2018, as well as many other key players,
that eventually led to the breaking of the playoff drought in 2020.
The absolute disastrous Deshaun Watson trade and the effects it continues to have on the team. Also mentioned, the crazy magical
ride that was the 2023 season.
