Over the years, the Browns have built up some fierce rivalries. Some come and go, like the Detroit Rivalry of the 50s or the Denver rivalry of the late 80s. Some, however, are legendary.

Arguably the most legendary rivalry in NFL history is that of the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Known as the "Rustbelt Rivalry," this rivalry has been going on since the Browns joined the NFL in 1950. Even during the Browns' 3 year hiatus, when the rivalry technically didn't even exist, it was listed in the rivalry section of the 1998 edition of "Football for Dummies" as one of the five best ever. These two teams come from traditionally blue-collar towns where football is king. Pittsburgh is the team Browns fans love to hate (and vice versa). Some said the rivalry would be dead after the Browns came back as an expansion team in 1999. These rivals proved them wrong by beating each other in their respective opponents home stadiums. A 0-43 pounding of the Browns in the new Cleveland Browns Stadium followed by a 16-15 last second win by the Browns at Three Rivers kindled the flame anew. This one will be going on for quite a while. For Browns vs Steelers Rivalry Stats, click here or at the link at the top of the page.

The next great rivalry, and by the numbers alone, a closer rivalry, is that of the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This one started in 1970 when the Bengals entered the league. The team was started by the legendary Paul Brown, the man who created the original Browns, was their head coach, and for whom the team was named. Fired in 1963 by owner Art Modell, Brown was allowed to start a new franchise in Cincinnati. This team became a natural rival being from the same state, having so many similarities (coach, colors, initials C.B.), and being in the same division. While less intense than the Pittsburgh rivalry, this one ranks a strong second. For Browns vs Bengals Rivalry Stats, click here or at the link at the top of the page.

Last, but not least, comes a new rivalry--Cleveland Browns vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Only time will tell how intense this one will be.
When the Browns left Cleveland in 1995, they left behind their history, name, and colors in the keeping of its rightful owners--the Cleveland fans. What left town was a roster of players, a coaching staff, and the much-despised Modells. These people arrived in Baltimore with a clean slate--no history, no records.
The city of Baltimore had had its share of football woes as well, having been deprived of a team for 13 years after owner Bob Irsay took the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis in 1984. After being denied an expansion franchise (which would have been known as the Baltimore Rhinos) in 1995, the year both Jacksonville and Carolina entered the league, they pursued other options. Art Modell did the unthinkable--signed a deal to move the Browns to Baltimore. The deal was signed in 1995 after Modell had promised the city of Cleveland on television that "as long as he owns the team, the Browns will never leave Cleveland." In a way, this was accurate.
The Browns franchise never left--the name, colors, and history went into a trust until such time as a new owner could be found and an expansion team created. This was only as a result of an unprecedented fan outcry to keep the Browns in Cleveland. In February, 1996, the NFL took an equally unprecedented course of action in allowing the city to keep its team history.
A nameless team left with its coaches and owner. Cleveland retained its team but lost its roster of players, coaches and its owner. In 1999, they got a new owner, a new head coach, and new players. The fans had someone to cheer for again.
With the re-entry of Cleveland into the NFL, the Ravens can no longer be called the "old browns." Instead, they now have their own identity, 4 years of history, and a promising future.
However, the fans of Cleveland can never forget what happened. All the anger of 3 football-less years can be directed at a new foe--The Baltimore Ravens.
The only thing that can stop this rivalry is the 2002 NFL realignment. When Houston's expansion franchise enters the league in 2002, the divisions will be split into eight four-team divisions. The AFC Central will most likely retain the Browns, Steelers, and Bengals. Who the fourth team will be is still up in the air. Possibilities are Baltimore, Buffalo, Indianapolis, and Detroit. If Baltimore is no longer on the Browns' schedule two times a year, this could diminish the rivalry greatly. As I said before, only time will tell with this one. For Browns vs Ravens Rivalry Stats, click here or at the link at the top of the page.

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