The Cleveland Browns officially announced their Ring of Honer in Cleveland Browns stadium this afternoon,with names that makes many wonder just why it took so long to have some kind of memorial in place. Overall, 16 Browns greats will be displayed on the facade of the upper deck at the stadium, all 16 representing the members of the Browns that are enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Included in today's announcement came word that the Browns will also partner with the Hall of Fame to create a season-long exhibit called Heritage Hall. Included in the display will be displays dedicated to the 16 Ring of Honor inductees, including their busts, memorabilia and photography from the team's and players' history.
Browns President Mike Holmgren recognizes the importance of honoring the team's storied past.
Our heritage and alumni are vital parts of our organization. The Cleveland Browns franchise has such a tremendous history and tradition that we felt it was extremely important to visibly honor the greats who have laid the groundwork for everyone associated with the Cleveland Browns. The creation of the Ring of Honor and the reinstitution of the Legends Program are just the start of how we plan to pay tribute to our history. When our fans now enter Cleveland Browns Stadium they will constantly be reminded of the great players and most memorable moments in our club’s past. The contributions of these 16 men will always be remembered.
The 2010 Ring of Honr Inductees are:
RB JIM BROWN (1957-1965) - Rushed for 12,312 yards on 2,359 career carries in 118 games... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1971.
COACH PAUL BROWN (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL: 1950-62) - Browns' first ever head coach and general manager... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1967.OL JOE DeLAMIELLEURE (1980-84) - Helped pave the way for three 1,000-yard rushing performers... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2003.
DL LEN FORD (1950-57) - Selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1952-55... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1976.OL FRANK GATSKI (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL 1950-56) - Helped pave the way to four consecutive AAFC championships from 1946-49 and NFL titles in 1950, 1954 and 1955.. Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1985.
QB OTTO GRAHAM (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL: 1950-55) - Led the Browns to the championship game in each of his 10 seasons, winning four AAFC titles and three NFL championships... Uniform number 14 retired by the Browns... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1965.
OL/K LOU GROZA (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL: 1950-59, 1961-67 - Browns career record holder with 234 field goals made, 641 extra points made and 1,349 career points... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1974.
OL GENE HICKERSON (1958-60, 1962-73) - Served as a lead blocker for three Hall of Fame running backs in Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell, and Leroy Kelly... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2007.RB LEROY KELLY (1964-73) - Gained 7,274 rushing yards, 12,329 combined yards and 90 touchdowns... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1994.
WR DANTE LAVELLI (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL: 1950-56) - Helped the Browns to four consecutive AAFC championships, from 1946-49 and to NFL titles in 1950, 1954 and 1955... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1975.
OL MIKE McCORMACK (1954-62) - Selected to five Pro Bowls (1957-58, 1961-63) with the Browns... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1984.
WR/HB BOBBY MITCHELL (1958-61) - Registered 2,297 rushing yards on 423 attempts with 38 rushing scores while playing in the same backfield as fellow Hall of Famer Jim Brown... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1983.
FB MARION MOTLEY (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL: 1950-53) - Helped the Browns to four consecutive AAFC championships from 1946-49 and to an NFL title in 1950.... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1968.
TE OZZIE NEWSOME (1978-90) - Recorded 662 career receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns... Nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz"... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1999.
WR PAUL WARFIELD (1964-69, 1976-77) - Recorded 271 receptions for 5,210 yards and 52 touchdowns as a Brown... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1983.
OL BILL WILLIS (AAFC: 1946-49, NFL: 1950-53) - Helped the Browns to four consecutive AAFC championships from 1946-49 and to an NFL title in 1950... Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1977.The Class will be enshrined at a ceremony during Halftime on September 19th against the Kansas City Chiefs