Cleveland Browns: Tradition, Resilience, and the Dawg Pound

Cleveland Browns: Tradition, Resilience, and the Dawg Pound

The Cleveland Browns are one of the most storied franchises in American football, with a history that stretches back to 1946. Founded as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), the team was named after its first coach and co-founder, Paul Brown, who is regarded as one of the most innovative minds in football history. Under Brown’s leadership, the team dominated the AAFC, winning all four of its championships before joining the NFL in 1950. The Browns immediately carried their dominance into the new league, winning the NFL Championship in their first season and establishing themselves as a dynasty in the 1950s and early 1960s.

The Browns’ legacy is built on a foundation of innovation and star power. Paul Brown introduced concepts such as playbooks, the use of game film for scouting, and the modern facemask—ideas that are now essential parts of football. Legendary players like Otto Graham, Jim Brown, Lou Groza, and Marion Motley became household names, carrying the Browns to national prominence. Jim Brown, in particular, is considered by many to be the greatest football player of all time, dominating the NFL with his unparalleled power, speed, and consistency.

Yet the Browns’ history is also defined by resilience in the face of heartbreak. The franchise’s glory years were followed by decades of near misses, most famously in the 1980s when the team fell short in multiple AFC Championship games, often in crushing fashion against John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Events like “The Drive” and “The Fumble” became painful scars in Cleveland sports lore. Then came the lowest point: in 1995, the original Browns franchise relocated to Baltimore to become the Ravens. Cleveland, however, refused to let go. Due to an outpouring of fan activism, the NFL promised that the Browns’ name, colors, and history would remain in Cleveland, and in 1999 the team was reactivated as an expansion franchise.

While the “new” Browns have struggled to consistently replicate the success of their early years, the passion of their fan base has never waned. The Dawg Pound, the raucous fan section at Cleveland Browns Stadium, embodies the city’s working-class spirit, loyalty, and grit. The Browns are not just a football team—they are part of Cleveland’s cultural identity, symbolizing endurance and the hope that better days are always ahead.

Trivia: The Browns are one of only two NFL teams that do not feature a logo on their helmets—the other being the Pittsburgh Steelers, who only display their logo on one side. The Browns’ iconic orange helmets with white and brown stripes are a symbol of tradition and simplicity.

Rivalries

Few NFL teams are defined as much by their rivalries as the Cleveland Browns. Their most intense and enduring rivalry is with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Located just two hours apart, Cleveland and Pittsburgh share a blue-collar identity, and their teams reflect the toughness of their cities. The rivalry dates back to 1950, and while the Browns once dominated the series, the Steelers have had the upper hand for much of the past 50 years. For fans, Browns vs. Steelers games carry significance far beyond the standings—they are battles for regional pride, bragging rights, and identity.

Another fierce rivalry is with the Cincinnati Bengals. This matchup is known as the “Battle of Ohio,” and it carries a unique backstory. After Paul Brown was controversially fired by Browns owner Art Modell in 1962, he went on to co-found the Bengals in 1968. This personal connection added drama and intensity to the rivalry, making every game a symbolic clash between the franchise that fired him and the one he built from scratch.

The rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens is also deeply emotional, given the Ravens were born out of the Browns’ 1995 relocation. Every matchup against Baltimore is a reminder of the team that could have been Cleveland’s dynasty. Though the Ravens have won multiple Super Bowls since leaving, Browns fans treat these games as opportunities to reclaim pride and prove that Cleveland football still matters.

Trivia: The Browns and Steelers rivalry was so fierce in its early days that it was considered more important to fans than playoff appearances. Former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano once joked, “If you beat Pittsburgh twice, you can go 2–12 and keep your job.”

Cleveland Browns: Ownership

Ownership has played a pivotal role in the Browns’ tumultuous history. Art Modell, who owned the team from 1961 to 1995, remains a controversial figure in Cleveland. Though Modell brought a championship in 1964—the franchise’s last NFL title—and oversaw the development of Monday Night Football, he is reviled for relocating the team to Baltimore, a decision that fractured his legacy and alienated Cleveland fans forever.

Since the franchise’s rebirth in 1999, ownership has been marked by instability. Al Lerner, a local businessman, was awarded ownership rights for the “new” Browns, but after his death in 2002, the team passed to his son Randy Lerner, who struggled to maintain stability. The Browns cycled through head coaches and general managers at a dizzying pace, rarely building continuity.

In 2012, the Browns were sold to Jimmy and Dee Haslam. While Haslam’s tenure has been controversial at times—marked by front-office turnover and some questionable decisions—there has also been progress. The Browns’ resurgence in the late 2010s and early 2020s, including their playoff win over the Steelers in 2021, gave fans hope that ownership was finally steering the franchise toward stability and success. The Haslams are also heavily involved in sports, holding stakes in the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer and the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA.

Trivia: When the Browns returned in 1999, the NFL considered multiple ownership bids. One came from former Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar, who remains a fan favorite. Although his bid was unsuccessful, Kosar continues to symbolize the link between the team’s past and its enduring legacy.

Watch Cleveland Browns

The Browns play their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium, located on the shores of Lake Erie. Opened in 1999 as part of the team’s return, the stadium was designed to honor the franchise’s tradition while providing modern amenities. With a seating capacity of over 67,000, it is known for its passionate crowds, especially the Dawg Pound, which sits in the east end zone and has become one of the NFL’s most iconic fan sections.

Weather is an important part of the Browns’ home-field identity. The stadium is open-air and exposed to the unpredictable winds off Lake Erie, creating challenging conditions for kickers and quarterbacks alike. Snow games are not uncommon, and they often add to the gritty, old-school football aesthetic that defines Cleveland.

Over the years, the Browns have invested in upgrades to video boards, sound systems, and fan amenities. However, discussions about building a new stadium or significantly renovating the current one have surfaced, with ownership emphasizing the importance of creating a venue that reflects both modern expectations and Cleveland’s football heritage.

Trivia: The original Dawg Pound started in the bleachers of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium in the 1980s, where fans wore dog masks and barked at opposing teams. The tradition carried over to the new stadium, making it one of the most recognizable fan cultures in American sports.

Cleveland Browns: This Season

The Cleveland Browns enter their 80th NFL season in 2025, aiming to rebound from a disappointing 3-14 record in 2024 that marked their worst performance since 2017. Under sixth-year head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, the Browns have retooled their roster, focusing on a new quarterback and defensive reinforcements. Facing a tough AFC North and a balanced schedule, Cleveland seeks to end a two-year playoff drought and secure their first postseason win since 2020.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson leads the offense, coming off a 2024 season limited to seven starts due to injury (1,102 yards, 7 touchdowns, 4 interceptions). His 59.1% completion rate and mobility fit Stefanski’s play-action-heavy scheme, though his $46M cap hit adds pressure after a 1-6 record in his starts. Veteran Jameis Winston, re-signed as a backup, threw for 1,266 yards in relief, while rookie Jake Haener is a developmental prospect.

The running game is in flux after Nick Chubb’s season-ending knee injury in 2024 (Week 2). Jerome Ford steps in as the lead back (814 yards, 4 touchdowns in 2024), supported by rookie Bucky Irving. The offensive line, a 2024 strength despite injuries (12th in PFF run-blocking grade), is led by All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio, center Ethan Pocic, and tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. Rookie Dawand Jones and free-agent signee Jack Conklin bolster depth, though right guard Wyatt Teller’s contract year adds uncertainty.

The receiving corps is headlined by Amari Cooper, who had 1,250 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024 before signing a restructured deal. Jerry Jeudy (735 yards) and rookie Cedric Tillman provide depth, while free-agent signee Elijah Moore (659 yards) aims to rebound. Tight end David Njoku, a 2024 Pro Bowler, had 81 catches and 6 touchdowns. The offense, which ranked 29th in points per game (17.2) in 2024, targets a top-15 finish with improved red-zone efficiency (46.7% touchdown rate, 30th).

The defense, coordinated by Jim Schwartz, ranked 11th in yards allowed (331.2 per game) in 2024 and remains a strength despite losing Za’Darius Smith to Atlanta. Edge rusher Myles Garrett, a 2024 All-Pro, led with 14 sacks and 20 tackles for loss, while rookie Isaiah McGuire (4 sacks) steps up. Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and rookie Mike Hall Jr. anchor the interior, though depth is thin after Siaki Ika’s release.

Linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (101 tackles, 2 interceptions) and Jordan Hicks provide speed and coverage (86.5 PFF grade combined). The secondary, led by cornerback Denzel Ward (3 interceptions, 88.2 PFF coverage grade), is bolstered by Greg Newsome II and rookie Martin Emerson Jr. Safety Grant Delpit and free-agent signee Juan Thornhill (traded from Kansas City) add playmaking, though Thornhill’s injury history is a concern. The defense’s 49 sacks and 17 takeaways in 2024 position it for a top-10 finish with Schwartz’s aggressive 4-3 scheme.

The Browns face the NFL’s 9th-toughest schedule (.526 opponent win percentage). They open at home against the Baltimore Ravens (Week 1, September 7) and face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Divisional games against the Steelers (Weeks 6 and 17), Cincinnati Bengals (Weeks 7 and 18), and Ravens (Weeks 14 and 16) are critical, as Cleveland went 1-5 in the AFC North in 2024. A Week 5 London game against the Minnesota Vikings and a Week 15 clash with the Houston Texans carry playoff implications.

Challenges include Watson’s health and consistency, as he hasn’t played a full season since 2020. The running game’s reliance on Ford without Chubb (who may return midseason) and red-zone struggles are concerns. Defensively, stopping mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow (6.1 yards per carry allowed to QBs) and improving third-down defense (40.8% conversion rate allowed, 20th) are priorities. Stefanski’s ability to balance the offense and leverage Garrett’s dominance will be key.

Oddsmakers project the Browns to win 6-7 games, with +3500 Super Bowl LX odds, reflecting their tough division and 2024 regression. The AFC North is stacked, with Baltimore and Cincinnati as favorites, but Cleveland’s defense provides a high floor. Fans on X predict 7-9 wins, citing Garrett’s impact and Watson’s potential, though some worry about the running game and secondary depth. A bold prediction would see Cooper surpassing 1,400 receiving yards, fueling a wild-card push.

A playoff berth is possible if Cleveland splits divisional games and capitalizes on matchups against the Jaguars, Titans, and Giants. A wild-card spot is more likely than a division title, but a 7-8 win season would signal progress. The Browns’ defensive talent and Stefanski’s coaching make them a potential AFC spoiler.

Cleveland Browns: Key Players to Watch

• Deshaun Watson (QB): His health and arm drive the offense’s ceiling.

• Jerome Ford (RB): His emergence is key without Chubb early in the season.

• Amari Cooper (WR): His Pro Bowl production leads the receiving corps.

• Myles Garrett (DE): The All-Pro’s pass-rushing anchors the defense.

• Denzel Ward (CB): His lockdown coverage strengthens the secondary.

• David Njoku (TE): His Pro Bowl receiving sparks the passing attack.

• Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB): His speed and playmaking bolster the linebacker corps.

Trivia: The Browns hold the longest playoff drought in NFL history (2002–2020), but when they returned to the postseason in 2021, they immediately shocked the Steelers with a 48–37 victory in Pittsburgh—their first playoff win in 26 years.

Cleveland Browns: What to Follow

Looking ahead, the Browns’ success will hinge on whether they can sustain stability at quarterback and maintain a strong supporting cast around their stars. Watson’s ability to regain top-level form is critical, while Nick Chubb’s recovery and durability remain central to the offense. The defense, led by Garrett, has the potential to be elite, but it will need consistency to compete with rivals in the AFC.

Off the field, the Browns’ long-term stadium situation and ownership’s willingness to invest in both infrastructure and talent will shape the franchise’s trajectory. Fans will also be closely watching whether the team can continue developing young players through the draft, something past regimes often struggled with.

Ultimately, the Browns represent more than just wins and losses. For the city of Cleveland, they are a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and passion. The Dawg Pound embodies this spirit, standing by the team through decades of heartbreak and celebrating every glimmer of success with unmatched enthusiasm. The future remains uncertain, but in Cleveland, hope springs eternal.

Trivia: The Browns are the only team in NFL history to have their franchise deactivated (1996–1998) and then reactivated with their history and records fully intact. This unique situation underscores the team’s cultural importance and the power of its fan base.