22. EARNEST BYNER, RB, 1984, 10/280, East Carolina, 1984-88, 1994-95. Played his first five seasons with the Browns and again with the team in its last two campaigns before the move to Baltimore. During the first stint, he rushed for 2,713 yards and 23 touchdowns, and caught 204 passes for 2,034 yards and eight touchdowns. An injured Byner touched the football just once in the Browns’ two 1986 season playoff games. In the Browns’ four other playoff games from 1985 to 1988, Byner ran for 480 yards and four touchdowns in 82 carries (5.9-yard average) and caught 22 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Lost a fumble just short of the goal line that denied the Browns what could have been the late game-tying touchdown in the 1987 season AFC title game, a 38-33 loss at Denver. Without his (and quarterback Bernie Kosar’s) brilliant all-around performance, however, the game would not have been close.
21. JIM HOUSTON, LB-DE, 1960, 1/8, Ohio State, 1960-72. Started several games at defensive end his first two seasons, then became a star left linebacker. Sometimes moved to the middle in the Browns’ 4-3. Earned first-team all-league honors three times and played in four Pro Bowls. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns, including a 79-yarder.
20. GREG PRUITT, RB-Rtn, 1973, 2/30, Oklahoma, 1973-81. Made the Pro Bowl his first two seasons due in large part to his stalwart work as a kickoff and punt returner, and made it in 1976 and 1977 because of his play at running back. Rushed for 5,496 yards as a Brown, averaging 4.7 yards a carry, and caught 323 passes. Totaled 43 touchdowns. Missed much of the 1979 season with a knee injury, and was used primarily as a receiver the next two years. Completed eight of 18 passes for six touchdowns on the halfback option.
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