Cleveland Browns

Ok, we've all seen enough of Pete Liske to last a lifetime, so let's move on...

Here are the 1972 Cleveland Browns. In 1971, the Browns finished 1st in the AFC Central at 9-5-0, but lost to the Colts in the first round. In 1972, they upped their record to 10-4-0, but finished 2nd to the improving Steelers. As the wildcard team, the Browns lost to the Dolphins in the playoffs.


#211 Bill Nelsen - After 5 seasons with the Steelers, Nelsen came to the Browns in 1968 and was their starting QB for the next 4 seasons. He finished his career in 1972 as the backup to Mike Phipps.


#96 Mike Phipps - Mike was the Browns' #1 pick in the 1970 draft. He rode the bench for 2 seasons, then became the starting quarterback from 1972 to 1975. In 1976, he finally lost the starting job to 3rd-year man Brian Sipe. Phipps also played for the Bears from 1977 to 1981, and was their starting QB in 1979.


#70 Leroy Kelly - Kelly played his entire career (1964-73) with the Browns. Once out of Jim Brown's shadow, Leroy became a star. He led the league in TDs from 1966-68, and in rushing yards from 1967-68. A 6-time Pro Bowler, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.


#187 Bo Scott - Scott was drafted by the Browns in 1965, but played for the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders from 1965-68. He played for the Browns from 1969-74, and was their starting fullback from 1970-72.


#239 Fair Hooker - Hooker played for the Browns from 1969-74, and was a starter in all but his rookie season. His best year was 1971, when he had 45 catches for 649 yards.


#315 Milt Morin - Milt was the Browns' #1 pick in 1966, and played there for his entire career (1966-75). He was the starting tight end in every season except 1967 and 1975.


#19 Fred Hoaglin - Fred was drafted by the Browns in 1966, and played center and offensive tackle there from 1966-72. (He was the starting center from 1967-71.) From 1973-76 he played for the Colts, Oilers, and Seahawks.


#46 Joe "Turkey" Jones - Jones played for the Browns in 1970 and 1971. After missing the 1972 season, he logged another year with the Browns before moving to the Eagles for 1 1/2 seasons. In mid-1975, he returned to the Browns for a few more years. Joe wrapped up his career playing for the Redskins from 1979-80.


#292 Walter Johnson - Johnson was the Browns' #2 pick in 1965, and was the starting left defensive tackle from 1966 to 1976. He finished his career in 1977 with the Bengals. I'm surprised to not see the Eagles in his resume, because I have a recollection that he was with Philly in the mid-1970s (just before Dick Vermeil took over, I think.)


#162 Ernie Kellerman - Ernie was drafted by the Cowboys in 1965 but did not play that season. He started at safety for the Browns from 1966 to 1971, before moving to the Bengals ('72) and the Bills ('73).


Also check out the 1967 and 1968 Browns.


Next time: Dallas Cowboys
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