Frank Ryan, the last quarterback to lead the Cleveland Browns to an NFL title, died Monday.
According to reports, his family said he died at a nursing home in Connecticut, where he had been battling Alzheimer’s.
His family also reportedly said they have donated his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for study because they believe that CTE “played a role in the progression of the (Alzheimer’s).”
Ryan had a Pa. connection.
He connected with Pennsylvania legend Gary Collins for three touchdowns in the 1965 title game to help the Browns upset the Baltimore Colts, 27-0.
It was the last title the Browns won. The team has never played in a Super Bowl.
Ryan also had stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Washington.
He was a three-time Pro Bowl pick, and finished his career with 16,042 passing yards to go with 149 touchdowns and 111 interceptions. He led the league in passing touchdowns in 1964 and 1966.
He was the athletic director at Yale for 10 years following his playing days.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Frank Ryan, as we honor the life of a Browns icon and championship-winning quarterback,” the Browns said in a post on social media.
Browns sign DE Sam Kamara to the practice squad
Browns also released P Matt Haack and G Joey Fisher from the practice squad
The Cleveland Browns have signed DE Sam Kamara to the practice squad. In addition, the team has released P Matt Haack and G Joey Fisher from the practice squad.
Kamara (6-0, 272) is in his second NFL season out of Stony Brook. Originally signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he has appeared in 10 career games. He has spent most of 2022 and 2023 on the Browns’ practice squad, appearing in one game this season.
