Cleveland Browns to honor past star players, coaches with ring of honor at stadium

Browns create ring of honor for past greats

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are paying homage to their rich past.

The team announced plans for a ring of honor to be unveiled in Browns Stadium, an overdue nod to some of the greatest players in club — and NFL — history. The first group inducted into the ring will be the 16 legends already enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In that group, are coach Paul Brown, running back Jim Brown, kicker/tackle Lou Groza, quarterback Otto Graham and wide receiver Paul Warfield.

President Mike Holmgren acknowledged the importance of honoring the Browns’ storied tradition.

“It’s long overdue,” said Holmgren, who used similar rings of honor while coaching in Green Bay and Seattle to inspire players.

The team will unveil the ring in a ceremony at halftime of the team’s home opener on Sept. 19 against Kansas City.

Holmgren is hopeful that Brown, who was removed as an adviser with the club after Holmgren arrived, will attend the ceremony. Holmgren said he had a “good conversation” with the legendary running back earlier this week.