Cleveland Browns vs San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson acknowledges the Cleveland Browns fans as they cheer for him during the game Sunday.

(Josh Gunter, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - In some ways, it was a typical day for Phil Dawson at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The kicker did his job to perfection and his team left the building a loser.

He knew that feeling all too well during 14 seasons with the Browns. But Sunday was no ordinary afternoon on the blustery lakefront for Dawson, who returned for the first time since leaving via free agency following the 2012 season.

The Niners' specialist earned a standing ovation from the crowd after his former team honored him with a first-quarter video tribute. The 40-year-old fan favorite, who brought his wife and three kids with him, was clearly moved by the unexpected gesture.

As a camera beamed his sideline image onto the giant video boards above both end zones, Dawson tapped his heart in gratitude.

"I wanted the people to know how special it was to me and that all the love that was coming my way was mutual," Dawson said following the Browns' 24-10 win.

"I told people, 'When I'm an old man and my memory's starting to fade I hope the good Lord lets me remember today because it's about as good as it gets,'"

Dawson contributed a 44-yard field goal and an extra point.

The kicker arrived early to the stadium as he always did with the Browns and visited with old friends. It was an emotional homecoming for Dawson, who holds the franchise record for most field goals (305), and is second in scoring (1,271 points).

One of the NFL's most meticulous players admits he was caught off guard by the Browns' decision to honor him on the scoreboard.

"I figured after the little deal they did in pregame that was going to be it,' he said. "So I kind of exhaled and was trying to find my rhythm. Then, all of a sudden, boom. I'm trying not to break down on the sideline and zero in on kicking and paying attention to the wind. It was just hard to find that balance today.

"I don't think I have words to do it justice. I want to thank the Browns organization for doing that and the fans for making it so special."

Dawson offered kind words for young Browns kicker Travis Coons, who's 20-of-23 on field-goal attempts, but has had one blocked in each of his last three games.

"Missing kicks is never fun, but he's having a great year," Dawson said. "Way better than my first year here. Everybody just needs to remember that."

Dawson, a pending free agent, was asked if he'd consider returning to Cleveland. The Browns allowed him to walk despite a Pro Bowl season in 2012.

"I can't answer that right now," he said. "But it's a special, special place and I love it."