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Legendary NFL Champion Browns Quarterback Dies At 87

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(Original Caption) Cleveland Browns quarterback Frank Ryan (#13, White Jersey) calls the signals before the ball is snapped from center in third quarter action, December 5, in game between Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins.

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The Cleveland Browns organization said goodbye to an all-timer on Tuesday.

Per the team, three-time Pro Bowl QB and NFL champion Frank Ryan passed away at the age of 87. He played seven seasons in Cleveland, taking over the starting job following Jim Nikowski’s injury in 1962.

Ryan made three Pro Bowls with Cleveland and helped lead the team to the NFL title in 1964, the same season he led the league in touchdown passes.

“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.

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Fans reacted to the news on social media.

“Go win number 9 this year boys! … #ForFrank,” a user tweeted.

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“A quarterback by trade, a genius by nature. [Cheers] to a life well lived,” another said.

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“We are gonna win our 9th world championship for you Frank!!” a fan promised. “Go browns.”

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“RIP to the last QB to win a championship in Cleveland… Thanks for all that you did for The Browns.”

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Ryan’s academic career was just as distinguished, if not more so than his athletic one. RIP to a legend in Northeast Ohio and beyond.