Phil Dawson retiring a Cleveland Brown

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2226 days ago

Are we sure the Brown’s front office can’t convince Phil to give it one more year? Phil Dawson is retiring at 44 years old as a Cleveland Brown. Browns fans wouldn’t have it any other way. “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 in a statement. “It only seems right to have the opportunity to do this with the fans that have been so good to me and my family.”

K @phil_dawson_4 will officially retire a Cleveland Brown. pic.twitter.com/H55wERrTEL

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 1, 2019

He has a special place in the hearts of Browns fans. During years of horrible quarterback play, terrible drafting, and utter turmoil Browns fans looked to Phil Dawson as a bright spot. As a Cleveland Brown Dawson earned a Pro Bowl nod in addition to second-team All-Pro honors twice. Dawson holds team records in career field goals and field goal percentage, field goals in a season and game, most consecutive field goals made and most consecutive games with a field goal.

“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.”

Hall of Fame?

He was a beacon of consistency throughout his 21-year NFL career. Dawson ranks seventh in NFL history in regular-season games played (305), eighth in field goals made (441), 11th in points (1,847) and 16th in field goal percentage (83.8). Are these numbers worthy of the Hall? That debate comes later. Nevertheless, Dawson had a phenomenal career.

As Browns fans, we remember the Baltimore kick that bounced through for the win. Along with the whiteout in Buffalo where he somehow made field goals despite the conditions. Finally, who would’ve thought an undrafted kicker from Texas could kick in the cold? Phil Dawson did that and so much more in a Browns uniform. Browns fans thank you for your loyalty and wish you the best in retirement.