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Fansided

10 greatest Cleveland Browns of all time

By Russell S. Baxter

American professional football player Jim Brown #32 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball towards the defensive line of the New York Giants, Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, September 16, 1962. The Browns won 17 to 7. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)
American professional football player Jim Brown #32 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball towards the defensive line of the New York Giants, Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, September 16, 1962. The Browns won 17 to 7. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – DECEMBER 19 Linebacker Chris Hanburger #55 of the Washington Redskins stops running back Leroy Kelly #44 of the Cleveland Browns during an NFL game at RFK Stadium on December 19, 1971 in Washington, D.C. The Browns defeated the Redskins 20-13. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – DECEMBER 19 Linebacker Chris Hanburger #55 of the Washington Redskins stops running back Leroy Kelly #44 of the Cleveland Browns during an NFL game at RFK Stadium on December 19, 1971 in Washington, D.C. The Browns defeated the Redskins 20-13. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images) /

6. RB Leroy Kelly

Running back Leroy Kelly of Morgan State University didn’t enter the National Football League with a lot of fanfare. He was an eighth-round draft choice in 1964, which also happened to be the last season that the Cleveland Browns won an NFL title. It also turned out to be the next-to-last year for the legendary Jim Brown, who would end his spectacular nine-year career after the 1965 season.

During his first two years in the NFL and understandably so, Kelly ran for a mere combined 151 yards and zero touchdowns. In 1966, he became the primary starter out of the backfield for the next eight seasons. His versatility made him a big-play threat as a runner, pass-catcher and on special teams. The 6’0”, 210-pound performer won NFL rushing titles in 1967 and ’68 with 1,205 and 1,239 yards, respectively.

He was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1966-71. He also earned All-Pro recognition three straight years from 1966-68 in which he rolled up an astounding 4,530 yards from scrimmage and 49 touchdowns in 43 regular-season contests. Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, Kelly rolled up 12,330 total combined yards and 90 touchdowns in 10 seasons with the Browns.

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