HOME > Cleveland Browns Name Origin
Introduction
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are members of the North Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The team was founded in 1946 and has a rich history that spans over seven decades. One of the most unique aspects of the Cleveland Browns is their team name, which has an interesting origin and history.
The Early Years
The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1946 by businessman Arthur B. McBride and coach Paul Brown. The team was originally named the Cleveland Panthers, but Brown changed the name to the Cleveland Browns in honor of his former team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes had a successful run in the 1940s and were known for their dominant offensive line, which was nicknamed the "Brown Wall". Brown wanted to bring that same level of dominance to his new team, and he believed that the name Cleveland Browns would be a fitting tribute to his former team.
The Brown Family
Another theory about the origin of the Cleveland Browns name involves the Brown family, who have been involved in professional football for decades. Paul Brown was the first head coach of the Cleveland Browns, and his son, Mike Brown, is currently the owner and president of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns also had a longtime rivalry with the Baltimore Colts, whose owner, Carroll Rosenbloom, was married to Paul Brown's daughter, Georgia. Some believe that the name Cleveland Browns was a nod to the Brown family and their contributions to professional football.
The Move to Baltimore
In 1995, the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Baltimore Ravens. The move was controversial and deeply unpopular with Cleveland fans, who felt that their team had been stolen from them. The NFL promised to bring a new team to Cleveland, and in 1999, the Cleveland Browns were reborn as an expansion team. The new team retained the Cleveland Browns name and colors, and the team's history and records were also transferred to the new franchise.
The Dawg Pound
One of the most iconic aspects of the Cleveland Browns is the Dawg Pound, a section of the stadium where the team's most passionate fans sit. The Dawg Pound was created in the 1980s and quickly became a symbol of the team's toughness and resilience. The fans in the Dawg Pound are known for their loud and raucous behavior, and they have become an integral part of the Cleveland Browns experience.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns are a team with a rich history and a unique team name. Whether the name was inspired by the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Brown family, or something else entirely, it has become a beloved symbol of the team and its fans. The Browns have had their ups and downs over the years, but their loyal fans in the Dawg Pound continue to support them through thick and thin. The Cleveland Browns may not have the most glamorous history in the NFL, but they have a passionate fanbase and a team name that is steeped in tradition and history.
