CLEVELAND — For many Clevelanders, former Browns kicker Phil Dawson has always been a legend. Now, the Cleveland Browns have made it official.
Dawson will forever be etched into the team's history after being named the inductee for the 2024 Cleveland Browns Legends class.
During the team's Week 3 contest against the New York Giants at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 22, Dawson will be honored during a halftime ceremony.
"I'd be lying if I told you I didn't ever dream about it,” Dawson said. “You see these things through the years, and you get to know some of these former players, and you look up to them, and you start dreaming like, man, I want to be one of those guys someday. And that certainly was me. And it's not about me. I want to represent the Browns and to have a chance to come back home and be recognized like this is about as humbling recognition as I've ever received, and it's all because of the way I love Cleveland and I love the Browns organization. So, it’s as impactful of recognition as I've ever received and it just kind of blows me away, to be honest.”
Dawson retired from the Browns in 2019 following an illustrious 20-season NFL career, including 14 seasons in Cleveland.
During his time in Cleveland, Dawson left an unforgettable mark, holding the team record for most career field goals (305), highest career field goal percentage (84%) percent and highest field goal percentage in a season with (93.5%) in 2012.
The Cleveland Browns Legends Program began in 2001, with the automatic induction of the Browns' then Pro Football Hall of Famers along with the initial class of five other inductees.
An eight-person selection panel meets each year to choose the players that are honored.
In order to qualify, the player must have played for the team for at least five years, been a "major contributor at their respective position" and have been retired from the NFL for at least five years.
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