The Cleveland Browns have had issues with their kicking game since Phil Dawson left. So why not bring him back to solve those issues.
That is exactly what the Browns are going to do on Friday. However there is a catch. Dawson is signing a one day contract in order to retire with the Cleveland Browns.
K @phil_dawson_4 will officially retire a Cleveland Brown. pic.twitter.com/H55wERrTEL
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 1, 2019
“To have the opportunity to come back home and retire with the organization and the city that I love is incredibly meaningful to me,” Dawson said. “It only seems right to have the opportunity to do this with the fans that have been so good to me and my family.”
“We are thrilled that Phil Dawson wanted to come back and retire as a Cleveland Brown,” owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “He epitomizes the characteristics that we look for in our players – hardworking, professional, consistent and he was a pillar in the community. He is a great example for all current and future Browns.”
A legend is officially hanging them up.@phil_dawson_4 will sign a contract and officially retire as a Cleveland Brown.
Congratulations on an incredible career!
📰 » https://t.co/wzAhjAQTFm pic.twitter.com/T4WZqoKvpb
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 1, 2019
Dawson joined the Browns when the team returned to the NFL in 1999. Dawson appeared in 305 career regular season games during his 21 NFL seasons from 1998-2018. He ranks seventh among the all-time NFL leaders in games played with 305. Eighth in field goals made with 441. 11th in points scored with 1,847 and 16th field goal percentage.
Dawson spent 14 season as the Browns place kicker. He holds team records for most career field goals with 305. Highest career field goal percentage at 84.0 percent. Most field goals in a season, 30 in 2008. Highest field goal percentage in a season, 93.5 percent in 2012. Field goals in a game, six on Nov. 5, 2006. Most consecutive field goals made, 29 and most consecutive games with a field goal, 23.
Dawson scored 1,271 points with Cleveland, the second most by a Brown, and his 215 games are the third-most by a Browns player. In 2012, Dawson became the only Browns kicker selected to the Pro Bowl.
Dawson also kicked for the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
