3 other modern Cleveland Browns who could be Hall of Fame bound after Joe Thomas

The Cleveland Browns could have three other modern NFL’ers joining Joe Thomas in the Hall of Fame sooner rather than later.

The Cleveland Browns saw one of their own get picked to go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with his formal induction coming this August. That former Browns player is Joe Thomas, the one bright spot on the team during the lean years of 2007 through 2017. Thomas marks the first player the Browns have seen go into the Hall of Fame since the team came back in 1999 and while there were a few players before who were on their way to the Hall of Fame, none of those guys were able to finish off the journey to the Hall for one reason or another.

Names like Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Jamir Miller were all Canton bound until injuries, inconsistent play or heinous convictions derailed their chances. It seemed like no matter what happened or how good a guy was, no one from the modern Browns world would ever be good enough to get into the Hall of Fame. Then came Thomas.

Thomas didn’t just dominate the league, but he proved to be among the most loyal players in the game’s history. Thomas’ play seemingly broke the curse that hung over the team and now the curse appears to be lifted. There are, shockingly, more players who are Canton bound, or could be and we’re talking about them here.

Honorable Mention

Joe Haden

If I’m being honest, I think Joe Haden misses Canton. He has his fair share of post-season accolades, but his injuries during his prime, and the fact he spent most of his career on a losing Browns squad really hurt his chances to get in.

That doesn’t mean his play or skill wasn’t among the best ever, because for a while he was considered either the best corner in the league or among the top four, and that’s pretty impressive.