Established
1946
City
Cleveland
League History
1950 - Present / National Football League
1946 - 1949 / All-America Football Conference
Team History
1946 - Present / Cleveland Browns
Nickname
Browns - The Cleveland Browns are one of the most storied franchises in professional football. With a history that dates back to 1946, they have been part of some iconic moments and earned an impressive list of accolades over the decades. But did you know that their nickname has an interesting origin story? Let’s take a look at how it came about!
It all started when original owner Arthur B McBride decided he wanted his team to be called something other than “Cleveland Indians” or “Cleveland Bulldogs,” two popular names for local teams at the time. He chose instead to honor his favorite coach from his college days: Paul Brown. Henceforth, they would be known as The Cleveland Browns!
Cleveland Browns Origin
The name quickly caught on with fans across Ohio and around the nation who embraced it as their own – so much so that even after Brown left in 1962 (Blanton Collier replaced him), nobody suggested changing it again! This is why today we still refer to them simply as The Browns despite having had several different head coaches since then, including Bill Belichick and Mike Holmgren.
In addition, there is also speculation surrounding another possible source for this nickname: boxing legend Joe Louis (also known affectionately as "the brown bomber"). Some historians believe that McBride may have taken inspiration from him, too, when deciding what moniker best suited his new franchise - although nothing can ever be confirmed definitively on this point...
No matter its origins, though, one thing remains certain; The Cleveland Browns will always remain synonymous with success no matter what happens next season or beyond – making them one team every NFL fan should keep tabs on year-round!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
NFL Championships 4
1964, 1955, 1954, 1950
All-America Football Conference Championships 4
1949, 1948, 1947, 1946
Stadium
2013 - Present / FirstEnergy Stadium
1999 - 2013 / Cleveland Browns Stadium
1946 - 1995 / Cleveland Municipal Stadium
Owner
2012 - Present / Jimmy Haslam
2002 - 2012 / Randy Lerner
1998 - 2002 / Al Lerner
1996 - 1998 / Cleveland Browns Trust (Operations suspended)
1961 - 1995 / Art Modell
1953 - 1961 / David Jones
1946 - 1953 / Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride
- 1946
- 1961
- 1995
- 1996 - 1999
- 1999
- 2012
Cleveland Browns 1946: Team Formation in AAFC
Cleveland Browns 1946: Team Formation and Founding In the Cleveland Browns 1946 timeline, the franchise officially began play as one of the original teams in the new All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The Cleveland Browns 1946 team formation traces back to 1944 when taxicab magnate Arthur B. “Mickey” McBride secured the rights to a Cleveland franchise. The AAFC was created to ...
Cleveland Browns 1961: Art Modell Ownership
Cleveland Browns 1961: Art Modell Ownership and Power Shift In the Cleveland Browns 1961 timeline, a major ownership change occurred when Art Modell purchased the team. The 35-year-old advertising executive from Brooklyn acquired the Cleveland Browns from a group of shareholders led by National Insurance Company for approximately $4 million. This Cleveland Browns 1961 ownership transition marked the beginning of ...
Cleveland Browns 1995: Modell Move to Baltimore
Cleveland Browns 1995: Modell Announces Move to Baltimore In the Cleveland Browns 1995 timeline, one of the most painful moments in franchise history unfolded when owner Art Modell announced the team’s relocation to Baltimore. On November 6, 1995, Modell revealed he had signed a deal to move the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore for the 1996 season. This decision would return ...
Cleveland Browns 1996-1999: Deactivated Three Years
Cleveland Browns 1996-1999: Deactivated for Three Years In the Cleveland Browns 1996-1999 timeline, the franchise faced an unprecedented suspension known as the deactivation period. Following Art Modell’s controversial announcement in the Cleveland Browns 1995 timeline to relocate to Baltimore, the NFL officially deactivated the Browns franchise in February 1996. The team ceased operations after the 1995 season and remained inactive ...
Cleveland Browns 1999: Lerner Family Ownership
Cleveland Browns 1999: Lerner Family Ownership and Franchise Revival In the Cleveland Browns 1999 timeline, the franchise made a celebrated return to the NFL thanks to Lerner family ownership. After the original Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996, the NFL awarded Cleveland an expansion team. Businessman Al Lerner secured the rights in 1998, and the Cleveland Browns 1999 season officially ...
Cleveland Browns 2012: Jimmy Haslam Ownership
Cleveland Browns 2012: Jimmy Haslam Takes Ownership In the Cleveland Browns 2012 timeline, the franchise entered a new chapter when longtime owner Randy Lerner decided to sell the team. After more than a decade at the helm, Lerner announced in July 2012 that he was selling the Browns to businessman Jimmy Haslam. The deal, finalized on August 2, 2012, was ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Jim Brown Player History: The Legend Unveiled!
This video explores Jim Brown's unmatched greatness and dominance. Known for his powerful running style and unparalleled athleticism, Jim Brown revolutionized the game and set records that still stand today. Join us as we delve into the untold stories.
Cleveland Browns History
The Cleveland Browns, home to the NFL Greatest Player Jim Brown, have been a staple in the National Football League since 1946. As one of the original eight teams to join the NFL, they have had an illustrious history of successes and failures. From legendary players like Jim Brown, Otto Graham, and Bernie Kosar to Super Bowl appearances in 1986 and 1987, there is no doubt that this team has made its mark on NFL history.
In the early years of the Cleveland Browns history, the team dominated the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). They captured all four championships from 1946 to 1949 before joining the NFL. Once in the league, they continued their success, reaching three straight championship games in the 1950s. Led by legendary running back Jim Brown, the Cleveland Browns NFL team secured back-to-back titles in 1954 and 1955.
The 1960s were more challenging, with only two winning seasons in a decade. However, the arrival of Paul Warfield and running back Leroy Kelly sparked new hope. This era of the Cleveland Browns history included six playoff appearances between 1972 and 1980. Pro Bowl stars like Brian Sipe, Clay Matthews, Mike Pruitt, and Hanford Dixon helped create a strong identity. The famous “Dawg Pound” defense became a cornerstone of their success.
Cleveland Browns Achievements
Although recent decades brought struggles, the Cleveland Browns NFL franchise remains one of the league’s most beloved. Ownership changes and tough seasons have tested fans, yet the passion in Cleveland never fades. The Cleveland Browns history shows a legacy built on championships, legendary players, and enduring loyalty. No matter what lies ahead, their influence on professional football is undeniable.
The Cleveland Browns history is defined by early dominance, winning four AAFC titles and four NFL championships before the Super Bowl era. Legends like Otto Graham, Jim Brown, and Paul Warfield helped shape the success of the Cleveland Browns NFL franchise. Despite challenges in later decades, the Browns’ tradition of excellence and loyal fan base remain central to their identity in professional football.
Retired Number
14 / Otto Graham
32 / Jim Brown
45 / Ernie Davis
46 / Don Fleming
76 / Lou Groza
*Blue is this team’s history