Cleveland Browns: 15 Favorite players of the Dawg Pound Era
By Backwoods
5. Josh Cribbs
I recently wrote a piece on Josh Cribbs return to Cleveland as a special teams coach-intern. He is tied as the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff returns for a touchdown, but his heart is what anchors him to this list. He was not simply the greatest return man for the Browns, but the greatest gunner as well. Every kickoff he would abandon his fear and dive full-speed into the oppositions return man. If I had a single word to describe Josh Cribbs on the field: guts.
4. Clay Matthews II
With his long hair flowing from underneath, Matthews looked as if he swapped out his horned viking-helmet (an actual viking, not the Minnesota variety) for an orange one. A relentless stalwart as a linebacker he offered dependability and excitement.
His 232-game career is second only to Lou Groza in Browns history. He is however, the Browns all time leader in forced fumbles (24), sacks (62) and tackles (an astonishing 1,430) and was recently named to the Browns All-Time Mount Rushmore by Dawg Pound Daily.
For an idea of how he played the game look no further than Green Bay and his son, Clay Matthews III.
3. Ozzie Newsome
I met the man in person while he was still known as the “Wizard of Oz”. I recall his phenomenal streak of 150 consecutive games with a reception and how he appeared to use Merlin-ish magic to reel in any ball thrown his way. As a statement of his remarkable hands, in 198 games and 662 receptions, Ozzie fumbled only three times.
He remains the Browns all time leader in receiving yardage (7,980). That tally also leads the second-most by a margin of nearly 1500 yards. I can only imagine the career numbers he would have put up in the modern passing-era.
He is set to hang his hat on one of the most successful careers as a general manager in league history following Baltimore’s 2018 season. Although part of the Ravens organization since moving from Cleveland, he remains the greatest tight end in Browns history. He too was listed on the Browns All-Time Mount Rushmore.
Honorable Mentions (Before the top 2)
Before we reach the top two spots on my list, I would like to mention a few names that nearly made the cut. As I mentioned earlier, Earnest Byner was my top runner up. Other noteable mentions include:
Eric Metcalf, the lightning-fast-footed running back and return specialist. Many of you may recall Metcalf’s two punt returns for a touchdown in a single game and his hippity-hop highlights. You may also recall the widespread distain for Bill Belichick’s favorite play as the Browns head coach, Metcalf-up-the-middle.
Although he turned to the darkside in record speed, I must also give mention to Joe Haden. A stand-up guy and shutdown corner, his time in Cleveland did not last long enough. I do wonder he if took his orange Lamborghini with him to Pittsburgh.
Another name that may have entered your thoughts is wide receiver Kevin Johnson. Perhaps the most sure-handed receiver since the trio mentioned earlier, Johnson was one of my own favorites upon the return of the Browns in 1999.
The last of my near misses was better known as a near-miss himself, being Tim Couch. Although running for his life and taking a beating in the process was tough to watch, I will always wonder what could have been had he had a bit more of a supporting cast and time to throw the football.