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Creation of the Cleveland Browns Franchise

April 20, 1945 - Arthur "Mickey" McBride formed the Cleveland Browns organization. According...

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FOOTBALL TEAM | Cleveland Browns

"Creation of the Cleveland Browns Franchise"

Last updated 📅 2025-04-20

April 20, 1945 - Arthur "Mickey" McBride formed the Cleveland Browns organization. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mickey acquired the franchise in the new All-America Football Conference that would begin play in the 1946 season.

McBride's first act after acquiring the team was to hire a coach and general manager, and he did both by selecting one man,  Paul Brown. Coach Brown was a successful high school, college, and service coach and was the right man for the job.

The Browns dominated the AAFC, winning all four of its championships, and also won the NFL championship shortly after the leagues merged the Browns, Colts, and 49ers into the NFL.

  • HASHTAGS: #April20 #ClevelandBrowns
  • EVENTDAY: April 20
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Cleveland Browns
football team

"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...
football name

"Gillom, Horace"

Born March 3 in Roanoke, Alabama was the legendary trilblazing end/punter of the Cleveland Browns, Horace Gillom.
College Career Horace Gillom played college football at Ohio State University. He was a standout player for the Buckeyes. After playing at Ohio State, Gillom transferred to the University of Nevada. In 1946, while at Nevada, he led the country in scoring and earned First-team All-PCC honors. However, he left Nevada after just one season due to academic issues. Road to the Pro Game Gillom's talent was evident despite his brief college career. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947. Football Legacy Horace "Big Horse" Gillom was a versatile and impactful player for the Cleveland Browns for ten seasons, from 1947 to 1956, both in the AAFC and the NFL after the leagues merged...