Abe Gibron played his first year of pro football (1949) with the original Buffalo Bills of the AAFC, but that would be the last year of the upstart league, and the Bills were not one of the organizations that would merge with the NFL.  A deal was struck with the Browns, and the outgoing Bills ownership sent Gibron and two other players to Cleveland in exchange for a small portion of club ownership.

It was a fantastic landing place for Gibron, who helped the Browns win the 1950 NFL Championship as a backup Guard.  As his game improved, Gibron generated a four-year run of Pro Bowls (1952-55), with him playing critical roles in the 1954 and 1955 Titles.

Gibron was released the following year, and he continued to play on with stints in Philadelphia and Chicago.  The Browns would induct him as one of their team Legends in 2015.

A star at Purdue, Mike Pruitt only had to travel one state east when the Browns drafted him in the Second Round in 1976.  Pruitt did not have a lot of playing time early on, but after receiving more playing time in 1978, the Fullback was poised for a breakout.

In 1979, Pruitt had the best year as a pro, posting what would be personal bests in Rushing Yards (1,294) and Yards From Scrimmage (1,666) and a trip to the Pro Bowl was his reward.  Pruitt went to the Pro Bowl again in 1980, again going over 1,500 Yards from Scrimmage. 

The Pro Bowls were over for Pruitt, but not the production.  He again had over 1,500 YFS in 1981, and in 1983, Pruitt had his fourth 1,000-yard rushing year with the Browns.

Pruitt slowed down afterward and would be released before the 1985 Season.  With Cleveland, Pruitt collected 8,301 Yards From Scrimmage and was named a Legend by the team in 2004.

Another product of Ohio State who became a Cleveland Brown, Jim Houston was a First Rounder in 1960, and the Linebacker became a starter during his rookie year.

The Browns in the 60s were known more for their explosive offense, but it was players like Houston that were needed to keep the balance on the other side.  Houston was a member of the 1964 NFL Championship Team, and individually, he earned four Pro Bowls and the nickname of Mr. Dependable".

Houston played until 1972, all of which were as a Brown.  Statistically, he had 14 Interceptions and 29.5 Sacks, and Cleveland would call Houston's name as one of their Legends in 2006.

A collegiate player at Ohio State, Tommy James played with the Detroit Lions of the NFL in his rookie year, but he was cut following a year with a broken arm.  Like Brown did with many former Buckeyes, Paul Brown signed James, and he would make the Cleveland Browns for the 1948 Season.

James was a good Defensive Back who helped Cleveland win the last two AAFC Championships and the 1950 NFL Championship when the leagues merged.  Named to the Pro Bowl in 1953, James would win two more Titles in 1954 and 1955 while picking off QBs for 34 Interceptions.  The Browns would name James as one of their Legends in 2004.