DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Eight former Browns nominated to HOF

Eight former Browns -- and a current assistant coach for the team -- are among the players on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's preliminary list of modern-era nominees for the class of 2009.

The former Browns players are running back/returner Greg Pruitt (1973-81), tight end Mark Bavaro (1992), offensive tackle Lomas Brown (1999), center Jay Hilgenberg (1992), defensive lineman Carl "Big Daddy" Hairston (1984-89), cornerback Raymond Clatyborn (1990-91) and linebackers Clay Matthews (1978-93) and Chris Spielman.

Spielman, who was signed by the expansion Browns in 1999, suffered a career-ending neck injury near the end of the preseason that year and never played in a regular-season game. Thus, he does not appear on the club's official all-time roster.

Also nominated was Wes Chandler, in his second season as receivers coach for the Browns. He played in the NFL for 11 seasons (1978-88) with the New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.

In addition, former Browns tight ends coach Ben Coates, who played that position for 10 seasons the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, is also on the list of nominees.

From this preliminary list of modern-era nominees, HOF selectors will choose 25 candidates who will advance as semifinalist nominees. The list of 25 modern-era semifinalists will be announced in November.

The final list of nominees that will be considered for election will consist of the 15 modern-era finalists and the two previously-announced senior nominees, "Bullet" Bob Hayes and Claude Humphrey. The class of 2009 will be picked from that overall list of 17 nominees on Jan. 31, 2009 in Tampa, the day before Super Bowl XLIII is held there.

To be considered for HOF election, a player must have been retired for at least five years.

The BÉowns have 16 people in the HOF, the latest one being recently-deceased offensive guard Gene Hickerson, who was elected in 2007.

The others are wide receivers Paul Warfield and Dante Lavelli, running backs Jim Brown, Marion Motley, Leroy Kelly and Bobby Mitchell, defensive end Len Ford, middle guard Bill Willis, kicker/left tackle Lou "The Toe" Groza, center Frank "Gunner" Gatski, quarterback Otto Graham, tight end Ozzie Newsome, offensive tackle Mike McCormack, offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure and head coach Paul Brown

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I would love to see Clay get in since he was an idol of mine as a youngster but don't see it happening. Good luck to all and there is one thing certain about all the players mentioned, they all had good careers, thanks for the memories fella's.

Sounds impressive till you realize that most of these guys played the "Hall of Fame" portion of their careers elsewhere ...... and came here in search of bigger free agent dollars.

Matthews, Pruitt, and to a lesser degree, Hairston, I can see claiming as "Browns".

Bavaro was a Giant. (and won a Super Bowl with them) Lomas Brown played the bulk of hia career with the Lions. (and people said he sucked when he played here ..... , then he went on to win a Super Bowl as starting LT with the Bucs) Hilgenberg was a Bear. (and won a Super Bowl with them) Claybourne was a Patriot. Spielman never played a down for us.


Were they Browns? Sure. Was being a Brown their defining career moment? No.

Pretty cool... IMO, Clay and Greg are probably our best shots at guys going into the HOF as Browns. I'd think Clay would have the best shot of those two (although probably not on the first ballot).

Hopefully Clay Mathews gets in. Other nominees I'd like to see get in: Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson, Shannon Sharpe.

The only one on there that strikes me as even a possibility is Clay. None of the others even really warrant looking at to me. They just didn't make that big of an impact.

Clay and Greg "do it" Pruitt (man I miss those tear away jerseys)

As long as Art doesn't get in I'm satisfied.

It looks like a consensus,...Pruitt and Clay.

As a fan, wouldn't even begin to take credit for any of the others as real Browns,...and still not happy they let Matthews finish his career elsewhere (let alone Greg).

Love to see get in.


Regardless of Clay making it or not he's still the greatest LB I've ever seen in Orange & Brown


Good Luck Clay, good luck Greg P.

For me, the only ones I think we can claim are Matthews ands Pruitt... and I'd be happy if either made it... Very happy