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Cleveland Brown Franchise Awarded

June 4, 1944- The Cleveland Browns franchise forms in the All-America Football Conference when local...

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FOOTBALL TEAM | Cleveland Browns

"Cleveland Brown Franchise Awarded"

Last updated 📅 2025-06-03

June 4, 1944- The Cleveland Browns franchise forms in the All-America Football Conference when local Cleveland businessman Arthur B. McBride acquired the franchise in the new league. When the AAFC dissolved in 1949, the franchise joined the NFL.

McBride and his partners sold the Browns to another group of North Eastern Ohio investors in 1953 for a price that was unheard of at the time, $600,000! Eight years later, another franchise sale occurred, and Art Modell acquired controlling shares of the Browns. In 1995, Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore under the Ravens mascot name.

The Browns were re-formed as a new franchise, retaining their old historical records, team colors and mascot in 1999.

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  • EVENTDAY: June 04
  • FOOTBALL: Franchise Origins
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Cleveland Browns
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"Cleveland Browns Franchise History"

The Cleveland Browns boast a history as turbulent as that of the Great Lake beside which they reside. From their glorious beginnings as a powerhouse to their devastating Relocation and eventual rebirth, the Browns have become synonymous with resilience, passionate fandom, and the enduring hope for gridiron glory.
✦ Born Winners and the Drive Factory (1946-1995): In 1946, Paul Brown, a legendary coach, brought professional football to Cleveland, establishing the Browns as an immediate force. With their revolutionary running game and "Drive Factory" philosophy, the Browns dominated the league, winning eight league championships in their first 17 years. Players like Jim Brown, Otto Graham, and Lou Groza became iconic figures, etching the Browns' legacy in football history. ✦ Heartbreak and Relocation (1996-1999): However, financial concerns and disagreements with ownership led to Brown's departure in 1963, marking the beginning of a decline. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Browns never captured their past glory, culminating in owner Art Modell's controversial decision to relocate the team to Baltimore in 1996. This betrayal left Cleveland fans heartbroken and fueled a years-long struggle to bring the team back...