By Darin On January 3, 1987, the frigid shores of Lake Erie played host to one of the most grueling and dramatic AFC Divisional Playoff games ever, instantly christened the “Marathon by the Lake.” This contest between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets was less a game of football and more a test of sheer endurance, ultimately requiring two overtime periods to decide a winner.
The game started as a low-scoring defensive struggle, but the tension escalated in the fourth quarter. Trailing 20-10 late in the game, the Browns appeared destined for an early playoff exit. However, quarterback Bernie Kosar, a local hero, orchestrated a magnificent comeback. Kosar connected with running back Kevin Mack for a touchdown, cutting the deficit. Then, Browns kicker Mark Moseley hit a clutch field goal to tie the game at 20-20 with just 1:57 left in regulation, sending Cleveland Stadium into a frenzy.
Article from Jan 4, 1987 Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas)
The drama didn’t end there. The Jets quickly drove down the field, but kicker Pat Leahy missed a game-winning 45-yard field goal attempt as time expired, pushing the contest into sudden death. The two teams battled through the first overtime period, exchanging possessions and holding firm defensively. Every snap was a battle of wills, with players visibly exhausted from the extended play time.
Finally, deep into the second overtime period, the Browns managed to position themselves for victory. Moseley, the veteran kicker, redeemed the earlier tension by splitting the uprights for a 33-yard field goal, sealing the hard-fought 23-20 victory for the Cleveland Browns. The game stands as the second-longest in NFL history at the time, solidifying its place as a true NFL classic and a defining moment in Browns history.
