The Cleveland Browns have been a difficult team to root for since their return in 1999 as a NFL expansion franchise. They have had far more downs than they have had ups. However, through it all, we have stuck beside them, and there have been certain players throughout the journey that have made it easier to rationalize spending three hours of a Sunday afternoon watching a 4-12 team than others. So, the WFNY gang got together to spend a few moments reminiscing over our favorites.

The rules to the Favorite Five is that there are no rules. Well, it’d be best if the player was associated with the Browns since 1999, but, other than that, the writers were given free reign to use whatever method they desired to come up with their list.

One year wonders? Plenty.

Mediocre talents that exuded professionalism? Definitely.

Incredible talents that wasted it (or had injury waste it for them)? Uh huh.

Incredible talents that were great citizens of Cleveland as well? Of course.

Players that never actually played a down? Yep.

Did we miss any? Well, that’s why we have a comment section. Have at it.

Allright, enough of my blathering, let’s get to it.

Craig Lyndall

Favorite Five: Kellen Winslow Jr., Joe Thomas, Joe Haden, Alex Mack, and Josh Cribbs

Reasons: Winslow was a dude who tried all of our patience and ended up underperforming his abilities due to his injuries, but he’s still kind of the best. Winslow couldn’t show it often or for long, but he was that damn good. There aren’t many players in the post-1999 Browns that can make that claim.

No reasons need to be given for Joe Thomas. That’s the reason. Haden is a great player too, but it wasn’t without some time and mistakes along the way. He’s become not only the cornerstone of the defense, but has legitimate star power to go along with likeability and grace.

Alex Mack is a dude who played with appendicitis and didn’t miss a game… in a 4-12 season. And, Cribbs is an easy selection. Josh Cribbs was far from perfect, but he was easily the most electrifying player the Browns have had since being back in 1999. His performances against the Steelers – notwithstanding the near decapitation by James Harrison – vault him up the list because they mean that much more to Browns fans.

Joe Gilbert

Favorite Five: Joe Haden, Joe Thomas, Josh Cribbs, Ryan Pontbriand, Lee Suggs

Reasons: Joe Haden is Mr. Cleveland. Haden has really become part of the city of Cleveland, attending Cavs games and becoming fans of the other sports teams in town. On the field, he is a shutdown corner, who the fans can rely on each game to cover the opposing team’s best receiver.

Joe Thomas is The Regular Guy. Thomas is a normal guy who likes to fish and happens to be the best left tackle in the NFL. He is a steady stud, who the team can rely on to protect the quarterback’s backside, whoever the QB may be.

Josh Cribbs is The Original Mr. Cleveland. Cribbs loved the city of Cleveland and showed it by rooting for the fellow sports teams in the city and endearing himself to the fans. For many seasons, he was the player who fans would go to the game to singularly watch to see if he would take a return for a touchdown.

Ryan Pontbriand is The Most Famous Long Snapper . Pontbriand was the Browns’ fifth round pick of the 2003 NFL Draft. The Browns chose a long snapper with one of their choices and for many years it paid off to be a solid pick. But in 2011 after getting the Yips, the team waived the two-time Pro Bowler.

Lee Suggs is The One-Hit (or Run) Wonder. Suggs was the Browns’ fourth round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft (What a draft! Pontbriand and Suggs). He really had only one good season with the Browns in 2004, when he shared the backfield with William Green, but rushed for 744 yards and two touchdowns. But, his career peaked in Cincinnati in 2003 when Suggs rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals.

Kyle Welch

Favorite Five: Isaiah Crowell, Josh Cribbs, Braylon Edwards D’Qwell Jackson, Joe Thomas, Phil Dawson

Reasons: Isaiah Crowell – I’m not being cute here. I love Crow. He only has 148 carries in his Browns career, but he has inspired at least 250 texts from me that say things like, “Give it to CROQ!!!” (the “Q” is right next to the “W”), “CA CAW!!,” and some gibberish about Lunchables.

The 10 percent chance that Cribbs would do something cool was the only reason to watch the Browns other than a sense of duty for what … five seasons?

Braylon Edwards, ok I was just kidding. D’Qwell Jackson never jumped off the screen, but the dude just accumulated tackles by the dozen. How many times were you befuddled at what Jackson was doing? Not many. And “Didn’t make me say, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ 15 times per game” is meaningful to Browns fans. It’s like the inverse-Eric Wright. He was solid and reliable for _years_, and I respect that.

Mt. Thomas has been a steady, unnerving source of professional and competence in an era of instability and dysfunction. It’s amazing. It’s like if FDR had been president during most of the Great Depression … Wait a second, does this mean the Browns are going to liberate Europe in 1944?

Phil Dawson was there through it _all_, man. Phil was the one thing that could be counted on as I grew from a boy to a man and the Browns grew from a poorly run franchise to a poorly run franchise by a different guy — several different times. When the Browns came back (and sucked), Phil was there. When my parents got divorced, Phil was there. When the Browns made the playoffs that one time, Phil was there. When my dog died, Phil was there. When Jake Delhomme threw eight interceptions (approximately) in one game, Phil was there. When I made out with that girl on my college futon, Phil was there (in spirit). Then Phil wasn’t there. And the Browns were still bad. And I was sad.

Maybe we should do “5 Least Favorite” next week, if that’s not negative and mean-spirited. Or maybe save that for Week 15.

Michael Bode

Favorite Five: Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack, Phil Dawson, and Josh Cribbs

Reasons: Yes, I included the entire current left side of the offensive line. No, I’m not about to apologize for it. Joe Thomas is a slam dunk Hall of Fame player despite never playing in the postseason. Alex Mack has been phenomenal on his own, and his absence last season demonstrated his value. Joel Bitonio is a player who I enjoyed watching at Nevada, was giddy that the Browns selected, and he has not disappointed whatsoever.

Yeah, it’s a little strange to have two special team players in my top five, but both of those gentlemen helped me enjoy the lean years of Browns football. Dawson was not only near automatic, but he actually got better as he aged. Plus, he was uncanny in his ability to pop up onside kick attempts, and he has a portion of the field goal post is named for when he beat the Baltimore Ravens. Cribbs was by far the most fun player to root for over the new incarnation of the Browns. Anytime he touched the ball, it was a possible touchdown and Steeler fans knew it. I still say that he should be the quarterback on record (wildcat) for the bone-chilling Thursday night win over Pittsburgh instead of Brady Quinn.

But, Danny Shelton is making a hard push to be the first defensive player included on my favorite five list.

Will Gibson

Favorite five: Steve Heiden, Chad Mustard, Charlie Frye, Frisman Jackson, Darrin Chiaverini

Reasons: I’ve long had a soft spot for some of the Browns’ lesser players and pseudo-folk heroes — it just feels right given the Browns’ misfit status. I could easily expand this list to 10 or 15 or 100 players. I’m not sure those below are my true favorites, but they’re some of the ones I remember rooting for most fondly. To wit:

There’s something about how Steve Heiden played the game that resonated with me and mine. He played eight years for the Browns, never starring but averaging 23 catches per season, which is just enough to not sneeze at. Among the folks I grew up sitting with at Browns games, Steve achieved full-on heartthrob status. Also, I may have named a fantasy football team “Heiden Seek” last season.

My dad always has an earbud with the radio feed in when he’s at Browns games. During Chad Mustard’s two seasons in town, he delighted in pointing out to me when he had entered the game. There’s something charming about that memory. Mustard had a grand total of five catches as a Brown, but that was enough for a friend of mine to custom order a MUSTARD #83 jersey.

I one hundred percent talked myself into Charlie Frye as an actual starting NFL quarterback . I remember being very offended when writers and talking heads would scoff at the idea of him beating teams like the Steelers. I suppose that 41-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve 2005 should have helped me realize that ol’ Chaz wasn’t long for this world.

Frisman Jackson was a wide receiver and he could throw a football 80 yards. I can’t hit a 9-iron 80 yards. He wins, even if his career passing numbers are 0 for 3 and one sack.

I’m not sure if there are official stats on this, but it always seemed to me that Darrin Chiaverini led the league in percentage of receptions that ended with him getting absolutely obliterated. He had a solid little rookie year with 44 catches. I remember him winding up helmetless on about 37 of them.

Dave Sterling

Favorite Five: Jermone Harrison, Phil Taylor, Josh Cribbs, D’Qwell Jackson, and a tie (Orpheus Roye, Babatunde Oshinowo, Kenard Lang, Ebenezer Ekuban, Ahtyba Rubin)

Reasons: I understand that these aren’t the best browns ever, but that wasn’t the question.

Harrison was a tiny back who did some amazing things including the best rushing performance by a Browns RB ever. I love Taylor’s personality, and his dogs. Cribbs was the Ultimate NFL underdog story, and just plain ELECTRIC returning kicks…remember the one against the Steelers where he turned the fumble into the touchdown?

Always loved Jackson’s leadership, and his “too small” size, including the chip on his shoulder that came with it. And, cannot pick just one defensive linemen with an awesome name.

Richard Pietro

Favorite Five: Miles Austin, E.J. Bibbs, Alex Mack, Danny Shelton, Joe Thomas

Reasons: The players I most enjoy watching are those who show up for work, take personal responsibility, and play well, physically and mentally, while steering clear of the hype and self-promotion (on and off the field) that is such an unsavory aspect of American professional sports.

Miles Austin played only one year with Cleveland and I was sorry the Browns didn’t keep him. He was originally signed in 2006 by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. When he came to the Browns in 2014, he asked for and was given permission to wear Bernie Kosar’s No. 19, even though it wasn’t officially a retired number. For Cleveland, Austin was fearless and showed reliable hands making a number of clutch catches for first downs but never got carried away with on-field celebrations.

E. J. Bibbs is another undrafted free agent. Very athletic, very coordinated, powerful. It’s no wonder the Browns have seen fit to give him opportunities to play fullback in addition to the tight end position for which they signed him. The excellent PD backstory of his upbringing and the events in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, makes him a Browns player most fans will feel like rooting for, on and off the field.

Alex Mack is a very bright guy with the kind of intellect that would probably have made him an excellent quarterback if he’d been born with a different body. But with a lineman’s physique, what better place for him than at center, the first-line field general. He’s tough and determined. Not that anyone would recommend this, but in 2011 he played through appendicitis in a game against the Tennessee Titans, had an appendectomy during the following bye week, and returned to action the following week. I also like the fact that Mack has challenged the status quo in Cleveland by making clear he expects the Browns front office to fulfill its own responsibility of putting a competitive team on the field. Way to go Alex. I hope he considers becoming a coach when his playing days are over.

Danny Shelton is also a very bright football player and I’m glad the Browns seem to be targeting the signing of smart players of late. I find him an enjoyable player to watch and listen to. He doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously but he does seem to be very thoughtful about those things in life that should be taken seriously. And how can you not enjoy the genuine pride he takes in his heritage . And, like Mack, it’s great to see such a talented, intelligent guy anchoring the middle of the Browns‘ D-line.

Joe Thomas is last alphabetically, but Number One on my list. He had me when he went fishing on Lake Michigan with his dad instead of attending the NFL draft hoopla in the Big Apple. Obviously, Joe Thomas is a great player, headed for the Hall of Fame. And like Jim Brown and LeBron James, Thomas’ durability is the stuff of legend. But I also appreciate his willingness to rock the boat without beating his own chest. He demands excellence of himself … and his teammates … and his bosses. This is a superstar with great character.

Josh Poloha

Favorite Five: Joe Haden, Joe Thomas, Phil Dawson, Josh Cribbs, Danny Shelton

Reasons: Not only do we share the same name, but Josh Cribbs was one of the most electrifying players in the league during his prime. His athleticism and return skills were incredible. The fact that he still roots for the Browns is special as well.

One of the best DBs in the game, Joe Haden not only is a good football player, but seems to be a fan-favorite off the field as well. Whether it’s on social media or his celebrity softball game.

Does he need a description? He’s one of the best OL of all-time and I don’t think Cleveland will realize how good Joe Thomas is until he leaves the Browns (which is hopefully just when he retires).

A kicker? Really? When he was a Brown, he was one of our biggest threats to score on offense – seriously. Whether it was how good of a kicker he was or how bad the Browns’ offense was (or maybe both), Phil Dawson has been missed in Cleveland.

The last guy hasn’t even played a (legit) game for the brown and orange yet but is by far one of my favorites. The way Danny Shelton portrays himself, his race, and just the all-out effort he gives, it’s hard not to love a player like Danny.

Andrew Schnitkey

Favorite Five: Joe Haden, Joe Thomas, Phil Dawson, Chris Spielman, Jamir Miller

Reasons: Andrew wrote a whole lot of words about why Haden is on his list here.

No text needed for Thomas, right? Seriously. We all know how much Joe Thomas means to Cleveland.

Most games, Phil Dawson was responsible for all of the Browns points. Or so it seemed.

For Chris Spielman, I remember a story about Chris Palmer telling the press something about how winning the Super Bowl or making the playoffs or something like that wasn’t the goal for Year One. Apparently Spielman heard about it and stormed into Palmer’s office to ask if he was just wasting his time there or if they were trying to win. That’s Spielman. Either that or I am totally mis-remembering that story. (probably the latter)

From 1999 to 2006, the Browns only had one player the Pro Bowl. That was Jamir, on the strength of his solid 13-sack seaosn in 2001. He only played three seasons for the Browns, but for that one year he gave fans something to really be proud of other than Phil Dawson. I’ll forever be grateful for that.

Scott Sargent

Favorite Five: Joe Haden, Joe Thomas, Josh Cribbs, Phil Dawson and Joe Jurevicius

Reasons: A whole lotta Joes, eh? Sort of speaks volumes for where this team has been over the last decade or so. As a fan, however, I tend to gravitate toward players who exude what I feel is “Cleveland.” As I grow older and see the carousel of players roll in and out of the city, I realize how silly this sounds, and increasingly so with each additional year, but this doesn’t stop me from clinging to that faint hope that some of these players do actually care about the city which they represent.

For Haden, it’s easy—the guy has adopted this city from the day his post-draft plane touched down. He attends more Cavs games than Anderson Varejao and even once showed up dressed like the Brazilian big man, wig and all. For Thomas, its his silent assassin mentality. The Draft Day fishing story will forever live in Cleveland sports lore. The way he has not missed a single snap since his arrival is warrior-type shit, especially with the revelation that he’s had multiple MCL injuries through his career. The fact that he’s played at such an elite level for such a horrible franchise earns him sympathy points.

Similar to Thomas, Cribbs and Dawson were cult favorites for a reason. Let’s not forget that Cribbs has NFL records for his work in special teams; let’s not forget that the Browns’ kicking game has been in absolute shambles since Dawson was not retained. Either of these men could run for mayor of Cleveland tomorrow and would win in a landslide—it wouldn’t be the smartest move, but is entirely indicative of how much fans appreciated these two during their tenure in orange and brown.

My last spot, the toughest to fill, goes to Joe J. Local kid, gigantic frame, Super Bowl Champion who returned home to help the Browns gain relevancy. His play in 2007 was just as important in the team’s 10-win season as, say, Kellen Winslow or Braylon Edwards. That he signed a four-year contract and only got to play two seasons due to that absurd bout of staph infection that plagued Berea is about as Browns as it gets. (No man should have to undergo seven surgeries to repair something that shouldn’t have happened in the first place.) Thankfully, we’ll always have this picture—one of the best shots from a Browns game since their return, if not the best.

Special Consideration

Dave Sterling also wanted to make special note for anyone that has Charlie Frye or Sir Lawrence of Vickers in their personal favorite five: