Opening weekend is going to be really excited at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cleveland Browns will begin their quest to win the AFC North and make the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season. Tuesday afternoon we learned that is not the only thing that will take place on kickoff weekend.
We are happy to announce that this September, we'll honor #Browns great Otto Graham with a statue at @FEStadium
Details on our Fantennial Weekend » https://t.co/T7qfbIz7ZF#NFL100 pic.twitter.com/APwA0fovXh
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 30, 2019
The Browns announced they will unveil a statue of legendary quarterback Otto Graham. It’s an honor that is long overdue. It’s a part of what the Browns are calling opening weekend as ‘Fantennial weekend.”
“As we celebrate the NFL’s 100th season, we are honored to pay tribute to Otto Graham with this timeless sculpture that will properly recognize him not only as one of the Browns’ top players but also as one of pro football’s greatest all-time quarterbacks,” owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said. “This year’s Alumni Weekend will be truly special as we welcome many of our Browns Legends back home in Cleveland, as well as have the opportunity to thank and host many members of Otto Graham’s family.”
Graham will be the second Browns statue to be displayed outside of FirstEnergy Stadium. The team unveiled a statue for running back Jim Brown in 2016.
Graham spent his entire ten year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. He guided the Browns to ten consecutive title games, winning four All-America Football Conference championships (1946, 1947, 1948, 1949) and three NFL championships (1950, 1954, 1955).
Graham threw for 23,584 yards with 174 passing touchdowns, 44 rushing touchdowns and was voted all-league in nine of his 10 seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and was part of the inaugural class of Browns Legends in 2001. Otto was also inducted into the Browns’ Ring of Honor along with the rest of the team’s Pro Football Hall of Fame members in 2010.
Graham passed away in 2003 at the age of 82.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
