After building a Hall-of-Fame resume in the 1970s as a core member of Buffalo's famous "Electric Company" offensive line, Joe DeLamielleure headed west to Cleveland before the 1980 season in a high-profile trade.

The veteran guard made an immediate, history-making impact in his new uniform. In his first year with the Browns, DeLamielleure anchored the interior pass protection for Brian Sipe during his NFL MVP campaign. In doing so, he achieved a unique milestone in league history: becoming the first offensive lineman to block for both a 2,000-yard rusher (O.J. Simpson in 1973) and a 4,000-yard passer (Sipe in 1980). His elite play earned him his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl selection alongside a Second-Team All-Pro nod, helping push the "Kardiac Kids" to the AFC Central division title.

DeLamielleure’s blue-collar work ethic and durability fit seamlessly into Cleveland's football culture. He served as a steadying force on the offensive line over the next four seasons, earning another Second-Team All-Pro selection in 1983 while mentoring younger linemen in the locker room.

Following his release ahead of the 1985 season, DeLamielleure returned to Buffalo for one final year before retiring from professional football.

Across five seasons in Cleveland (1980–1984), he started all 73 regular-season games he appeared in, bringing an intense, steady presence to the Browns' offensive front. His combined legacy across both franchises culminated in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Browns permanently recognized his contributions by inducting him into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor.