LeBeau played 14 seasons in Detroit, from 1959-72, where he snared a franchise record 62 interceptions, which still rank 10th in NFL history.
The Venerable Dick LeBeau hasn't put on a set of pads in four decades, and he's still in the top 10 in picks. A living legend, tops in the game at every stage of his career.
Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Lions after the Cleveland Browns, who selected him in the fifth round of the 1959 NFL Draft, cut him in training camp.
shows that even in 1959 the Browns did not know how to handle a great Buckeye in the draft
Ray Flaherty is the other lock. He was a HOFer as a player with the Giants and led the Redskins to 2 World Titles as HBC. He also invented the screen pass.
Mike Ditka is the Trent Dilfer of Coaching - rode a HOF defense to a title despite not really doing a whole lot himself. The core of that team probably should have won multiple titles, but after it dissolved he was never anywhere close again. And that's before you consider his Ricky Williams trade in NO.
LOL. If we assembled all the talent the Browns have cut or passed on in the last even 5 years, you'd probalby have a playoff contender. Instead we're 0-16.
Good to know they haven't changed in half a century. And we shouldn't expect them to now, either.
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Lol i was going to say this exact thing. You probably would have an undefeated team that would move to superbowl. Someone with more time than me should put together the "Browns Cut Fantasy Team"
"I spent 90 percent of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted." - George Best
To be fair, I'd think you would have to restrict draft misses to one per pick. We could also look at recent trades as well. Definitely would be an interesting thought experiment.
You also have to wonder how much coaching/scheme has to do with it. Even at Cleveland, these are still NFL players. You have to have a special kind of bad to not win even 1 game.
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Mr. LeBeau, You are an impressive man. You have done so much. You deserve to retire comfortably and enjoy every single moment. If you have the itch to add a little more.... We would be fortunate to be associated again. Consultant means you can fish as much as you chose to. Be well Buckeye.
Not a Titans fan but it still boggled my mind that the franchise makes the playoffs this season, wins a first-round game at KC and played NE tough for a bit THEN blows up the entire coaching staff. I know they hired Vrabel but I am not convinced he's going to come in his first year and lead them to the AFC title game or the Super Bowl. In fact I could see them regressing terribly.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Woody trolling the SEC.
I know he had a rough couple of years for the Bengals, but I would trade Marvin Lewis for him right this second without ever looking back. The man is a legend.
"The only good thing about it is winning the d*** thing" - Urban Meyer on The Game The War
The guy is still a near scratch golfer at 80 as well. One of the kindest, most considerate human beings in the history of the world. And yet, tough as nails in between the lines. I hope he takes time to do whatever makes him happy for the rest of his life, but also hope he gets invited regularly to share life lessons with our Buckeyes. The man is a national treasure.
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From The Tennessean's coverage:
The Venerable Dick LeBeau hasn't put on a set of pads in four decades, and he's still in the top 10 in picks. A living legend, tops in the game at every stage of his career.
^ this
LeBeau is a greater ‘legendary figure’ as a player than a coach, even though he invented the zone blitz. Man was a baller.
And this
shows that even in 1959 the Browns did not know how to handle a great Buckeye in the draft
This guy is one of the best to ever do it, and it covers a variety of "DO-ITs".
Make preparations in advance. You never have trouble if you are prepared for it.
Can we hire him as a consultant. I would love if he came home.
My Thoughts Exactly!!! Defensive Quality Control??
MACTE VIRTUTE
Have been wondering that for 10 years. Kept waiting for him to finally retire. The man is a freak (in the best possible way).
Defensive analyst or guru.
"Hit them hard and see how they fall"
I believe they're called anal-ysts and yes, Bama has over 50 on staff
Let's come up with a list of men that are HOFers as a player AND as a coach.
Dick LeBeau. Maaaaybe Mike Ditka, too.
Anyone else? I'd say George Halas, but he wasn't as a player. Possibly Ernie Stautner. He was a great assistant, but nowhere near LeBeau.
Ray Flaherty is the other lock. He was a HOFer as a player with the Giants and led the Redskins to 2 World Titles as HBC. He also invented the screen pass.
LeBeau and Flaherty. That might be it. Amazing.
Mike Ditka is the Trent Dilfer of Coaching - rode a HOF defense to a title despite not really doing a whole lot himself. The core of that team probably should have won multiple titles, but after it dissolved he was never anywhere close again. And that's before you consider his Ricky Williams trade in NO.
COLD BLOODED! LOL +1
It's the Off season, much like an NFL ref I will ignor it.
"Great moments are born from great opportunities." - Herb Brooks
Fair enough. Thats kinda why i stretched the word maybe out so far.
What a career! Enjoy the retirement coach, you've earned it.
Fields of Dreams
59 consecutive years! Wow, that is mind-blowing! Great career, Mr. LeBeau.
Guessing he didnt invest in a 401k when he was young.
BucksHave7
hmmm... "legendary".
to me that means 'continues to grow' after his career is over.
Dick LeBeau. Legend.
Buck68
Might be one of the best coach's ever,he never stopped evolving when alot of coach's get stuck in their ways and fall out.
28 Saturdays till kickoff
Talk about longevity in a career, I’m impressed
Browns88
The Browns downfall began then...
11W > work
LOL. If we assembled all the talent the Browns have cut or passed on in the last even 5 years, you'd probalby have a playoff contender. Instead we're 0-16.
Good to know they haven't changed in half a century. And we shouldn't expect them to now, either.
Your signature will be publicly displayed at the end of your comments.
Lol i was going to say this exact thing. You probably would have an undefeated team that would move to superbowl. Someone with more time than me should put together the "Browns Cut Fantasy Team"
"I spent 90 percent of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted." - George Best
To be fair, I'd think you would have to restrict draft misses to one per pick. We could also look at recent trades as well. Definitely would be an interesting thought experiment.
You also have to wonder how much coaching/scheme has to do with it. Even at Cleveland, these are still NFL players. You have to have a special kind of bad to not win even 1 game.
Your signature will be publicly displayed at the end of your comments.
Wow. I didn't realize the Browns actually became the "Browns" back in 1959!!
"Cause I couldn't go for three!"
Woody Hayes-1968
Mr. LeBeau, You are an impressive man. You have done so much. You deserve to retire comfortably and enjoy every single moment. If you have the itch to add a little more.... We would be fortunate to be associated again. Consultant means you can fish as much as you chose to. Be well Buckeye.
Ohio State needs to have him dot the i next year. He has certainly earned it.
"You can never pay back, but you can always pay forward."
Ninja'd me, Nashville!
I am not very smart, but I recognize that I'm not very smart. --- W.W. Hayes
Time to come dot the "i" in the 'Shoe, Mr. Lebeau. You're a Buckeye legend and need proper honoring.
Go Bucks.
I am not very smart, but I recognize that I'm not very smart. --- W.W. Hayes
You know what to do, Urban.
You win with people.
And so forth...
9 Units Strong!
Guess the Lions are my team of choice now since that's where it all began.
Thanks for the memories, coach. A living legend. I'll miss watching his D on the field. Innovator, inventor and creator.
Not a Titans fan but it still boggled my mind that the franchise makes the playoffs this season, wins a first-round game at KC and played NE tough for a bit THEN blows up the entire coaching staff. I know they hired Vrabel but I am not convinced he's going to come in his first year and lead them to the AFC title game or the Super Bowl. In fact I could see them regressing terribly.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Woody trolling the SEC.
The pride of London, Ohio. Incredible coach and a great person.
I knew I'd seen a sign somewhere...
o||||||o
I know he had a rough couple of years for the Bengals, but I would trade Marvin Lewis for him right this second without ever looking back. The man is a legend.
"The only good thing about it is winning the d*** thing" - Urban Meyer on
The GameThe WarThe guy is still a near scratch golfer at 80 as well. One of the kindest, most considerate human beings in the history of the world. And yet, tough as nails in between the lines. I hope he takes time to do whatever makes him happy for the rest of his life, but also hope he gets invited regularly to share life lessons with our Buckeyes. The man is a national treasure.
Steelybuck54