Halloween: 5 of the scariest Cleveland Browns since 1999

Jamir Miller

Before there was Joe Thomas, there Was Jamir Miller, the Browns’ first Pro Bowler since their return in 1999. The outside linebacker from Arizona was seen by many as a bust with the Cardinals, barely making a name for himself and struggling for most of his time there. Yet, when he arrived in Cleveland, Miller became the team’s best player without a doubt.

The pass-rushing linebacker became a force to be reckoned with he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1999. As the lone star on the team, Millers held his bust label in Arizona and became the Browns’ leader on defense, making plays all over the field for three years. He was second on the team in tackles in 1999 and 2000, second to Wali Rainer in 1999, but in 2001 he led the team in tackles with Dwayne Rudd and led the team in solo tackles and sacks.

In doing so he earned his first Pro Bowl nod and became the team’s first Pro Bowler of the new era. He was poised to help the Browns contend in 2002, the first year the team would make the playoffs, and who knows what that team had been like had Miller not suffered a catastrophic injury in the preseason, ending his career.

Had the Browns had Miller in 2002, it’s very possible the team finishes better than 9-7, and it’s very likely they defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs.