Graham, Otto (1921-2003), ranks among the greatest quarterbacks in professional football history. Graham played his entire professional career with the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1955. For the first four seasons, the Browns played in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). In 1950, after the AAFC folded, the Browns joined the National Football League (NFL). With Graham at quarterback, the Browns played in 10 consecutive championship games, winning four AAFC championships and three NFL championships.
Otto Everett Graham, Jr., was born on Dec. 6, 1921, in Waukegan, Illinois. He starred in baseball, basketball, and football at Northwestern University. Graham was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions of the NFL in 1944. However, after serving in the United States Navy in 1944 and 1945, he signed to play with Cleveland in 1946.
Graham was a tailback in college but was converted to quarterback by Browns coach Paul Brown. In 1952, Graham led NFL passers in attempts, completions, total yards, and touchdown passes. He also played defensive back. Graham was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. He died on Dec. 17, 2003.
