The last quarterback to lead the Browns to an NFL title passed away on New Year’s Day.
Three-time Pro Bowl QB and NFL champion Frank Ryan passed away at the age of 87. Frank Ryan led the Browns to a 27-0 victory over the Baltimore Colts in the 1964 NFL Championship Game.
Ryan’s family said in a statement that he died while being cared for at a nursing home in Connecticut. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and the family said chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) “is suspected to have played a role in the progression of the disease.”
“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 statement.
While playing football, Ryan spent his offseasons getting a doctorate diploma in mathematics.
Ryan donated his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for study.
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In that memorable 1964 title game, Ryan threw three touchdown passes to wide receiver Gary Collins as the Browns shocked Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas and the Colts.
Cleveland hasn’t won a football championship since and remains one of four teams never to make the Super Bowl.
Ryan played seven seasons in Cleveland, taking over the starting job following Jim Nikowski’s injury in 1962.
