Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Cory Kinnan

Jim Brown to Joe Thomas: Best Browns player to wear every jersey number

USA TODAY Sports Jim Brown Joe Thomas Malcolm Emmons Browns (Organization) Tony Tomsic USA TODAY Network David Boss Andrew Weber Manny Rubio

The Cleveland Browns have a rich history. While they have not had a stellar track record since their return to the league in 1999 (Joe Thomas is their only Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee since), they are remembered for the dominance of Jim Brown, Otto Graham, and more. As the Browns look to get back into the playoffs for the first time in three years, perhaps there are brighter days on the horizon.

Until then, however, we will continue to reminisce on the good days. We do just that here, taking a look at the best players at every number to suit up for the Browns throughout their entire franchise history.

1. WR Michael Jackson (1991-1995)

Honorable Mention: WR Jaelon Darden (2022-present)

2. WR Amari Cooper (2022-present)

Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: QB Tim Couch (1999-2003)

3. K Matt Stover (1991-1995)

Honorable Mention: QB Derek Anderson (2006-2009)

4. K Phil Dawson (1999-2012)

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: QB Deshaun Watson (2022-present)

5. QB Jeff Garcia (2004)

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports (©) Copyright 2004 by Matthew Emmons

Honorable Mention: LB Anthony Walker Jr. (2021-present)

6. QB Baker Mayfield (2018-2021)

Honorable Mention: QB Brian Hoyer (2013-2014)

7. QB Jacoby Brissett (2022)

Honorable Mention: P Jeff Gossett (1983-1987)

8. P Johnny Evans (1978-1980)

Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: K Billy Cundiff (2009-2014)

9. K Matt Bahr (1981-1989)

Honorable Mention: QB Charlie Frye (2005-2007)

10. QB Kelly Holcomb (2001-2004)

Honorable Mention: Dave Mays (1976-1977)

11. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (2020-present)

Honorable Mention: WR Terrelle Pryor (2015-2016)

12. K Dan Cockroft (1968-1980)

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: QB Vinny Testaverde (1993-1995)

13. QB Frank Ryan (1962-1968)

Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (2019-2021)

14. QB Otto Graham (1946-1955)

Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

15. QB Mike Phipps (1970-1976)

Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: P Dave Zastudil (2006-2009)

16. QB Bill Nelson (1968-1972)

Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: WR/KR Joshua Cribbs (2005-2012)

17. QB Brian Sipe (1974-1983)

Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Honorable Mention: WR Braylon Edwards (2005-2009)

18. QB Gary Danielson (1985-1988)

Honorable Mention: QB Len Dawson (1960-1961)

19. QB Bernie Kosar (1985-1993)

Honorable Mention: WR Corey Coleman (2016-2017)

20. S Earl Little (1999-2004)

Honorable Mention: S Mike Adams (2007-2011)

21. RB/KR Eric Metcalf (1989-1994)

Honorable Mention: CB Denzel Ward (2018-present)

22. DB Clarence Scott (1971-1983)

Honorable Mention: CB Felix Wright (1985-1990)

23. CB Joe Haden (2010-2016)

Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DB Larry Benz (1963-1965)

24. RB Nick Chubb

Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DB Ernie Kellermann (1966-1971)

25. WR Frank Pitts (1971-1973)

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: RB Charles White (1980-1984)

26. WR Ray Renfro (1952-1963)

Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss

Honorable Mention: DB Sean Jones (2005-2008)

27. DB Thom Darden (1972-1981)

Bobby Majors, left, and Thom Darden during practice for the Cleveland Browns in August 1973.Img030

Honorable Mention: DB Stevon Moore (1992-1995)

28. Ben Davis (1967-1973)

Miami defeated Cleveland 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DB Ron Bolton (1976-1982)

29. DB Hanford Dixon (1981-1989)

Honorable Mention: DB Eric Turner (1991-1995)

30. DB Bernie Parrish (1959-1966)

Honorable Mention: RB Cleo Miler (1976-1982)

31. DB Frank Minnifield (1984-1992)

Honorable Mention: RB Jamal Lewis (2007-2009)

32. RB Jim Brown (1957-1965)

Honorable Mention: G Lin Houston (1946-1951)

33. WR Reggie Rucker (1975-1981)

Honorable Mention: DB Daylon McCutcheon (1999-2005)

34. RB Greg Pruitt (1973-1981)

Honorable Mention: RB Kevin Mack (1985-1993)

35. LB Galen Fiss

Honorable Mention: RB Bo Scott

36. DB Stephen Braggs

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DB K’Waun Williams

37. DB Anthony Henry (2001-2004)

Honorable Mention: RB Hugh McKinnis

38. DB Antonio Langham (1994-1999)

Honorable Mention: K/FB Sam Baker (1960-1961)

39. DB Tashaun Gipson (2012-2015)

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DB Terrence Mitchell (2018-2020)

40. DB Erich Barnes (1965-1971)

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: RB Peyton Hillis (2010-2011)

41. DB Bubba Ventrone (2009-2012)

Honorable Mention: TE Ralph Smith (1965-1968)

42. WR Paul Warfield (1964-1977)

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: RB Tim Manoa (1987-1989)

43. RB Mike Pruitt (1976-1984)

Honorable Mention: DB T.J. Ward (2010-2013)

44. RB Leroy Kelly (1964-1973)

Mandatory Credit: Photo By Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: RB Earnest Byner (1984-1988)

45. DT John Kissell (1950-1956)

Honorable Mention: OL Roman Piskor (1947)

46. DB Don Fleming (1960-1962)

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: RB Billy Reynolds (1953-1960)

47. LS Charley Hughlett (2015-present)

Honorable Mention: DB Larry Braziel (1982-1985)

48. RB Ernie Green (1962-1968)

Honorable Mention: DB Lawrence Johnson (1979-1984)

49. RB/WR Bobby Mitchell (1958-1961)

Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports copyright (c) Malcolm Emmons

Honorable Mention: DB Clinton Burrell (1979-1984)

50. LB Vince Costello (1957-1966)

Honorable Mention: LB John Garlington (1968-1977)

51. LB Eddie Johnson (1981-1990)

Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: LB Dale Lindsey (1965-1972)

52. LB Dick Ambrose (1975-1983)

Honorable Mention: LB D’Qwell Jackson (2008-2013)

53. LB Joe Schobert (2016-2019)

Honorable Mention: LB Craig Robertson (2012-2015)

54. C Tom DeLeone (1974-1984)

Honorable Mention: C Fred Hoaglin (1966-1972)

55. C Alex Mack (2009-2015)

Honorable Mention: LB Willie McGinest (2006-2008)

56. OL John Morrow (1960-1966)

Honorable Mention: LB Chip Banks (1982-1986)

57. LB Clay Matthews Jr. (1978-1993)

Honorable Mention: LB Dwayne Rudd (2001-2002)

58. LB Christian Kirksey (2014-2019)

Honorable Mention: LB Wali Rainer (1999-2001)

59. LB Charlie Hall (1970-1980)

Honorable Mention: LB Mike Johnson (1986-1993)

60. OG John Wooten (1959-1967)

Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: LB Bob Babich (1973-1978)

61. C Mike Baab (1982-1991)

Honorable Mention: OL Steve Everitt (1993-1995)

62. OL Joe Taffoni (1967-1970)

Honorable Mention: OL Jason Pinkston (2011-2013)

63. OL Cody Risien (1979-1989)

Honorable Mention: OL Joe Andruzzi (2005-2006)

64. OL Joe DeLamielleure (1980-1984)

Honorable Mention: C J.C. Tretter (2017-2021)

65. OL John Demarie (1968-1975)

Honorable Mention: OL Harry Sheppard (1976-1981)

66. OG Gene Hickerson (1958-1973)

Honorable Mention: OL Tony Jones (1988-1995)

67. LB Sid Williams (1964-1966)

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: OG Chuck Hutchinson (1973-1975)

68. OL Robert Jackson (1975-1985)

Honorable Mention: OL Ed King (1991-1993)

69. OL Dan Fike (1985-1992)

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

Honorable Mention: DT Jim Kanicki (1963-1969)

70. OT John Brown (1962-1966)

Honorable Mention: OL Larry Williams (1986-1988)

71. DT Walter Johnson (1965-1976)

Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © David Boss

Honorable Mention: DT Ahtyba Rubin

72. DT Jerry Sherk (1970-1981)

Honorable Mention: OT Mitchell Schwartz (2012-2015)

73. OT Joe Thomas (2007-2017)

Honorable Mention: OT Doug Dieken (1971-1984)

74. OL Paul Farren (1983-1991)

Honorable Mention: OT/DT Mike McCormack (1954-1962)

75. OG Joel Bitonio (2014-present)

Honorable Mention: DL Pio Sagapolutele (1991-1995)

76. Lou Groza (1952-1967)

Honorable Mention: FB/LB Marion Motley (1946-1951)

77. Dick Schafrath (1960-1971)

Honorable Mention: OG Wyatt Teller (2019-2023)

78. DL/LB Carl Hairston (1984-1989)

Honorable Mention: OT Jack Conklin (2020-present)

79. DL Bob Golic (1982-1988)

Honorable Mention: DL Bob Gain (1952-1964)

80. OL/DL Bill Glass (1962-1968)

Honorable Mention: WR Jarvis Landry (2018-2021)

81. DE Jack Gregory (1967-1979)

Honorable Mention: WR Quincy Morgan (2001-2004)

82. TE Ozzie Newsome (1978-1990)

Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: LB/DE Jim Houston (1960-1972)

83. TE/LB Johnny Brewster (1691-1967)

Honorable Mention: WR Ricky Feacher (1976-1984)

84. DE Paul Wiggins (1959-1967)

Honorable Mention: WR Webster Slaughter (1986-1991)

85. WR Kevin Johnson (1999-2003)

Honorable Mention: Dave Logan (1976-1983)

86. WR/P Gary Collins (1962-1971)

Honorable Mention: WR Dennis Northcutt (2000-2006)

87. WR Andre' Davis (2002-2004)

Honorable Mention: WR Keenan McCardell (1992-1995)

88. WR Reggie Langhorn (1985-1991)

Honorable Mention: Ron Snidow (1968-1972)

89. TE Milt Morin (1966-1975)

Honorable Mention: WR Gerald McNeil (1986-1989)

90. DE Rob Burnett (1990-1995)

Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

Honorable Mention: DL Marshall Harris (1980-1982)

91. DT Henry Bradley (1979-1982)

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DL Sam Clancy (1985-1988)

92. DL Michael Dean Perry (1988-1994)

Honorable Mention: DE Courtney Brown (2000-2004)

93. DT John Hughes (2012-2016)

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: DT Trevon Coley (2017-2018)

94. DT Gerard Warren (2001-2003)

Honorable Mention: DT Bill Johnson (1992-1994)

95. DE Myles Garrett (2017-present)

Honorable Mention: DE Kamerion Wimbley (2006-2009)

96. DE Reggie Camp (1983-1987)

Honorable Mention: DT James Jones (1991-1994)

97. DE Jabaal Sheard (2011-2014)

Honorable Mention: DL Alvin McKinley (2003-2006)

98. DL Anthony Pleasant (1990-1995)

Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY NETWORK

Honorable Mention: DT Sheldon Richardson (2019-2020)

99. DT Orpheus Roye (2000-2007)

Honorable Mention: LB Scott Fujita (2010-2012)

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

Number of babies abandoned in Texas twice what it was 10 years ago as abortion restrictions tighten

Only one parent has been charged this year

The Independent UK

Venezuela's top court issues a $10 million fine for TikTok over allegedly deadly video challenges

The Independent UK

A&Es treating more people with coughs and headaches

Millions of people seek help from emergency departments in England every year.

The Independent UK

Doctors’ union warns NHS will struggle to last another year without reform

99% of doctors surveyed by the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland said they are concerned about increased pressure on the NHS over winter.

The Independent UK

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Army National Guard soldier from Indiana dies in non-combat incident in Iraq

The Indiana National Guard says a 34-year-old soldier serving in Iraq has died in a non-combat incident

The Independent UK

Met officer given final warning after joking about setting fire to woman’s house

Three Metropolitan Police officers who made light of a serious sexual assault allegation have been given written warnings.

The Independent UK

Our Picks

“She Had A Nose Job”: Salma Hayek’s 1995 Casting Photo Goes Viral

A Polaroid photo shows Salma years before her breakout role as the famous Mexican painter in "Frida." The post “She Had A Nose Job”: Salma Hayek’s 1995 Casting Photo Goes Viral first appeared on Bored Panda.

Bored Panda

Boozy or not, that leftover eggnog makes a great milkshake

By now you may have found uses for many of the holiday leftovers

The Independent UK

Why you shouldn’t bother budgeting

With the new year approaching, people may be looking to reorganize their finances. Brittany Miller writes about how one of the best money tips might be to avoid budgeting altogether

The Independent UK

All I want for Christmas is $1.22bn: Mega Millions ticket matches all six numbers

Circle K in Cottonwood, California, where ticket was sold celebrates $1m bonus as winner remains unknown

The Guardian - US

How ‘sad’ bananas could help tackle food waste

Bananas are a sociable fruit. They thrive in bunches, bound by a unifying stalk which joins them happily together in curvy yellow brightness.

The Conversation

Most restaurants don’t make it. Here’s how Jean-Georges restaurants have survived the test of time—and even a pandemic

Legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten also tells young hopefuls that if they can’t handle 14-hour days, the chef life is ‘not for you’.

Fortune

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Jim Brown to Joe Thomas: Best Browns player to wear every jersey number

1. WR Michael Jackson (1991-1995)

2. WR Amari Cooper (2022-present)

3. K Matt Stover (1991-1995)

4. K Phil Dawson (1999-2012)

5. QB Jeff Garcia (2004)

6. QB Baker Mayfield (2018-2021)

7. QB Jacoby Brissett (2022)

8. P Johnny Evans (1978-1980)

9. K Matt Bahr (1981-1989)

10. QB Kelly Holcomb (2001-2004)

11. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (2020-present)

12. K Dan Cockroft (1968-1980)

13. QB Frank Ryan (1962-1968)

14. QB Otto Graham (1946-1955)

15. QB Mike Phipps (1970-1976)

16. QB Bill Nelson (1968-1972)

17. QB Brian Sipe (1974-1983)

18. QB Gary Danielson (1985-1988)

19. QB Bernie Kosar (1985-1993)

20. S Earl Little (1999-2004)

21. RB/KR Eric Metcalf (1989-1994)

22. DB Clarence Scott (1971-1983)

23. CB Joe Haden (2010-2016)

24. RB Nick Chubb

25. WR Frank Pitts (1971-1973)

26. WR Ray Renfro (1952-1963)

27. DB Thom Darden (1972-1981)

28. Ben Davis (1967-1973)

29. DB Hanford Dixon (1981-1989)

30. DB Bernie Parrish (1959-1966)

31. DB Frank Minnifield (1984-1992)

32. RB Jim Brown (1957-1965)

33. WR Reggie Rucker (1975-1981)

34. RB Greg Pruitt (1973-1981)

35. LB Galen Fiss

36. DB Stephen Braggs

37. DB Anthony Henry (2001-2004)

38. DB Antonio Langham (1994-1999)

39. DB Tashaun Gipson (2012-2015)

40. DB Erich Barnes (1965-1971)

41. DB Bubba Ventrone (2009-2012)

42. WR Paul Warfield (1964-1977)

43. RB Mike Pruitt (1976-1984)

44. RB Leroy Kelly (1964-1973)

45. DT John Kissell (1950-1956)

46. DB Don Fleming (1960-1962)

47. LS Charley Hughlett (2015-present)

48. RB Ernie Green (1962-1968)

49. RB/WR Bobby Mitchell (1958-1961)

More Analysis

50. LB Vince Costello (1957-1966)

51. LB Eddie Johnson (1981-1990)

52. LB Dick Ambrose (1975-1983)

53. LB Joe Schobert (2016-2019)

54. C Tom DeLeone (1974-1984)

55. C Alex Mack (2009-2015)

56. OL John Morrow (1960-1966)

57. LB Clay Matthews Jr. (1978-1993)

58. LB Christian Kirksey (2014-2019)

59. LB Charlie Hall (1970-1980)

60. OG John Wooten (1959-1967)

61. C Mike Baab (1982-1991)

62. OL Joe Taffoni (1967-1970)

63. OL Cody Risien (1979-1989)

64. OL Joe DeLamielleure (1980-1984)

65. OL John Demarie (1968-1975)

66. OG Gene Hickerson (1958-1973)

67. LB Sid Williams (1964-1966)

68. OL Robert Jackson (1975-1985)

69. OL Dan Fike (1985-1992)

70. OT John Brown (1962-1966)

71. DT Walter Johnson (1965-1976)

72. DT Jerry Sherk (1970-1981)

73. OT Joe Thomas (2007-2017)

74. OL Paul Farren (1983-1991)

75. OG Joel Bitonio (2014-present)

76. Lou Groza (1952-1967)

77. Dick Schafrath (1960-1971)

78. DL/LB Carl Hairston (1984-1989)