By Darin 
In the history of the Cleveland Browns, legendary running backs like Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly are household names, but their path to the end zone was often paved by a “quick tackle” turned legendary guard. Gene Hickerson wasn’t just an offensive lineman; he was an innovator of the pulling block, a technician who used his rare speed to revolutionize how holes were opened in the NFL. From the small town of Trenton, Tennessee, to the hallowed halls of Canton, discover the story of the man Paul Brown called his “secret weapon” on the offensive line.
Football Bio
February 15, 1935 – Trenton, Tennessee – The quick tackle from Mississippi, Gene Hickerson, arrived in this life. Gene was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1957 so that Coach Paul Brown could use his quickness at guard to employ innovative blocking schemes to open holes for the great Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Bobby Mitchell. Hickerson was voted as an All-Pro in five consecutive seasons and played in 6 Pro Bowls. In 2007, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Gene Hickerson in their Canton, Ohio, museum.
Conclusion
Gene Hickerson’s impact on the Cleveland Browns and the game of football is measured in more than just personal accolades; it’s measured in the yardage of the Hall of Fame backs he protected. By the time he retired, Hickerson had helped three different rushers reach the Hall of Fame, a testament to his selfless dominance at the right guard position. His induction in 2007 served as the final validation for a player who, though often operating in the shadows of the “skill positions,” was the engine that powered one of the most feared ground attacks in NFL history.
Verified Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2007.
- NFL Champion: 1964.
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team member.
- 5× First-team All-Pro: (1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970).
- 6× Pro Bowl Selection: (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970).
- NFL Outstanding Blocker Award: 1968.
- Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor and Legends inductee.
- Career Durability: Played 202 games over 15 seasons without a single losing record.
- Collegiate Honors: First-team All-SEC and All-South at Ole Miss (1957).
- Hall of Fame Paving: Lead blocker for three Hall of Fame rushers: Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Bobby Mitchell.
