Big day of Browns
birthdays today:
The great Bill
Willis -- Hall of Famer, original Brown, and pioneer of what became the middle
linebacker position -- celebrates his 85th.
Also, Bobby Franklin
turns 70 today. Paul Brown converted the former Ole Miss QB into a defensive
back, and he picked off eight passes as a rookie, returning two for touchdowns
in a 42-0 win over Chicago. A member of the '64 championship team, Franklin also
served as Lou Groza's holder during his seven years in the NFL before launching
a successful coaching career.
Another DB from
Mississippi, Jeremy LeSueur, was also born this day. With injuries to their top
three cornerbacks and their rookie draftee DeMario Minter, LeSueur, 26, would
have had every opportunity to see the field this year. The former Wolverine was
signed after the training camp Lee Suggs/Derrick Strait trade fell through, but
he was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. Rather than release him
with a settlement, the Browns apparently want him back in camp next
year. If he turns into a fraction of the player that Franklin or Willis was, it will be cause for celebration indeed.