https://www.cleveland.com/browns/20...rowns-qb-to-win-a-title-terry-pluto.html


The full article is behind a pay wall, but it seems to be the only article covering it.


Frank Ryan, last Browns quarterback to win a title, passes away at the age of 87 – Terry Pluto


CLEVELAND, Ohio – The last quarterback to lead the Browns to an NFL title passed away on New Year’s Day.

That’s Frank Ryan, who led the Browns to a 27-0 victory over the Baltimore Colts in the 1964 NFL Championship game. Ryan threw three TD passes, all to Gary Collins, as the Browns pulled off the upset over the heavily favored Colts and their quarterback Johnny Unitas.

[remainder behind pay wall]


Rest in Peace, Legend

Cleveland Browns legend, last championship quarterback Frank Ryan dies

Frank Ryan led an upstart Cleveland Browns team to the NFL Championship in 1964 against the Baltimore Colts. The team hasn’t claimed a title since, giving Ryan, who had NFL legend Jim Brown in his backfield, the distinction of being the last quarterback to bring home an NFL title for the area’s football fans.

Ryan died New Year's Day at age 89.

“The Cleveland Browns surprised their many critics, and their most avid fans, too, by not only defeating the Baltimore Colts today but also routing them, 27—0, in the National Football League's championship game before a crowd of 79,544,” William N. Wallace wrote in the New York Times’ game story.

“The Colts, who had won 12 of 14 regular‐season games, were the favorites of most experts and nonexperts alike.”

The Browns, led by Ryan and Brown, would go on to score all of their points in the second half to give the Browns the title.

The NFL wasn’t the pass happy league that it’s evolved into since, but Ryan connected on 11-of-18 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, out-dueling Pro Football Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas. Brown rushed for 114 yards on 27 carries and wide receiver Gary Collins produced a career day with five receptions for 130 yards and three touchdowns.

Ryan, who came to the Browns from the Los Angeles Rams for the 1962 season, played six seasons with the team and still ranks No. 5 in passing yards, second in passing touchdowns and fourth in quarterback rating. Playing in parts of 13 seasons, he finished his career with Washington.

But Ryan's imprint on society goes beyond professional athletics.

A mathematics genius who earned his PhD at Rice University, he began a teaching career still a player with the Browns. He served as an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University from 1967 to 1971.

He worked for the United States Congress as the inaugural director of information services and was instrumental in creating the first electronic voting system.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Frank Ryan, Browns legend and last title-winning quarterback, dies

https://sports.yahoo.com/cleveland-browns-legend-last-championship-160606690.html

RIP Frank.

Just a big-big name from back then.

May you rest in peace Mr. Frank Ryan

RIP

Frank was a very underrated QB.

RIP Dr. Frank Ryan. You accomplished much on this journey.

RIP Dr Ryan. What memories

So thankful I got to see him live.
and Jim Brown
and Gary Collins
and Paul Warfield


r.i.p. Frank. You helped to bring us our most recent nat'l championship.