The Cleveland Browns are a storied franchise in the National Football League (NFL), boasting a rich history that includes multiple championships and legendary players. But for many fans, especially those new to the sport, a simple question often arises: Why Are The Browns Called The Browns? Unlike some teams with animal mascots or geographically inspired names, the moniker “Browns” is a direct tribute to a man who shaped not only the team but also the landscape of professional football itself: their first head coach, Paul Brown.
The story of the Cleveland Browns’ name begins in 1946. As a newly established team in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), Cleveland needed a name. Team ownership, recognizing the immense popularity of their newly appointed coach, Paul Brown, decided to engage the fans in the naming process. A contest was held, inviting suggestions from the public. While various names were proposed, including the Cleveland Panthers, the public sentiment overwhelmingly leaned towards honoring their revered coach.
Paul Brown was already a household name in Ohio long before the Cleveland Browns were formed. His success as the head football coach at Ohio State University, culminating in a national championship, had cemented his status as a local icon. His coaching prowess and innovative strategies were highly respected, and his presence in Cleveland was seen as a major coup for the new football team. Therefore, when fans were given the opportunity to name the team, it was almost inevitable that “Browns” would emerge as the frontrunner.
Interestingly, Paul Brown himself was initially hesitant about having the team named after him. Reports suggest he preferred the name “Panthers.” However, the sheer volume of fan submissions and the enthusiasm for “Browns” ultimately persuaded him and the team owners. In 1946, the Cleveland Browns officially adopted their name, directly linking their identity to their celebrated coach.
This decision proved to be incredibly fortuitous, as the Cleveland Browns, under Paul Brown’s guidance, became a dominant force in professional football right from the start. They clinched the AAFC championship title in every single year of the league’s existence, from 1946 to 1949. Their undefeated season in 1948 remains a landmark achievement in professional football history, further solidifying the legacy associated with the “Browns” name.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar in action, illustrating the team’s enduring legacy and connection to its name.
When the Browns joined the NFL in 1950, they continued their reign of success. In their very first NFL game, they decisively defeated the reigning NFL champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, signaling their immediate competitiveness in the new league. The early Browns era was characterized by the exceptional quarterback play of Otto Graham and the groundbreaking coaching of Paul Brown. Together, they led the team to an astounding ten divisional titles within their first decade in the NFL and secured four NFL championships (1950, 1954, 1955, and 1964).
Key figures like Lou Groza and Marion Motley further contributed to the team’s early dominance. Motley, an African American running back, was a pioneer in integrating professional football, adding another layer of significance to the Browns’ early years. Later, the legendary Jim Brown joined the team in 1957, shattering records and further cementing the Browns’ place in NFL history. Although Ernie Davis’s promising career was tragically cut short, the Browns continued to be contenders, reaching championship games and maintaining a high level of play throughout the 1960s.
While the team experienced periods of both triumph and tribulation in subsequent decades, including the emotional relocation controversy in the 1990s and a period of struggles in the 2000s and 2010s, the name “Browns” has remained constant. It serves as a perpetual reminder of the team’s foundation, built upon the principles and leadership of Paul Brown. The “Dawg Pound,” known for its passionate and vocal fanbase, further exemplifies the enduring spirit of the Cleveland Browns and their connection to the name that represents their origin.
In conclusion, the Cleveland Browns are called the Browns because it’s a tribute to Paul Brown, their first and highly influential coach. Born from a fan contest and reflecting the immense respect for Brown in Ohio, the name has become synonymous with Cleveland football. It represents a legacy of early dominance, coaching innovation, and a deep connection to the city of Cleveland. So, the next time you hear “the Browns,” remember that it’s more than just a color; it’s a nod to a coaching legend and the foundation of a celebrated NFL franchise.
