Behind the shrewd manipulating of a young, ex-college coach, Paul Brown, the post-war Cleveland Browns ran roughshod over the opposition in two leagues. Their harvest included eight divisional titles in ten years - 1946-1955 and seven Championships. Football History Around the multiple talents of five Hall of Famers, quarterback Otto Graham, power fullback Marion Motley, end Dante Lavelli, guard Bill Willis, along with tackle and place kicker Lou Groza, Cleveland's coach Paul Brown built the best post war pro football team in America - and quite possibly the best team ever in the history of pro football.
The following from 'Sport Magazine' by Gordon Cobbledick - one of the best sport writers in America during this era. November 1952 Edition: The Cleveland Browns are unique in the field of professional football. Their history, though short compared to that of such pioneer outfits as the Bears and Giants, is studded with nothing but success - success in winning games and success in getting people to talk about them and watch them play.
In the six years the Browns have been in business, four in the late American Football Conference and two in the National Football League (NFL), they never failed to qualify for the championship playoff. Their record through a half-dozen seasons, including playoffs, shows 75 wins, eight losses and three ties. No other pro football team in history can approach it. Credit for this unprecedented run of success in pro football must go in extravagant helpings to the slender, balding coach of the team, Paul Brown. The victories on the field and the size of the crowds in the stands reflect the superb job of organization, teaching and recruiting done by this ex-Ohio State coach. Brown's efficiently shows in the way the Browns have been promoted not only in Cleveland but throughout Ohio, just as the Cleveland Indians have been in baseball. It shows, too, in the way he has brought up unknown or little-publicized college players and formed them into pro stars - men like Marion Motley, Lou Groza, Dante Lavelli, Mac Speedie and Tony Adamle. (and, it also Helped that Brown signed All-American quarterback Otto Graham). Football HIstory
Rugged and strong as bull, Gene Hickerson shifted from tackle in college to offensive guard with the Cleveland Browns. He Was the lead blocker for three Hall of Fame runners, Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Kelly. Gene Hickerson missed all of the 1961 season with a fractured leg suffered in the preseason.
Gene Hickerson was chosen first team All Pro five consecutive seasons, 1966-70, and made the All Pro team again in 1970. Chosen as the NFL 1960s Guard of the Decade.
Prior to Gene Hickerson joining the Browns only 7 runners gained 1,000 yards in a season, after he became lead blocker Cleveland had 1,000 rusher in 9 of first 10 years. And, the Cleveland Browns runners led the league in 7 of 10 seasons. Gene Hickerson played 15 NFL seasons, 202 games.
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