The Cleveland Browns franchise is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2021.
In addition to assembling one of the most talented rosters in the franchise’s history, the Browns are planning other 75th anniversary activities.
First Energy Stadium’s end zone and rafters are getting anniversary decor.
The 75th anniversary logo has a very simple design but is symbolic of the look of the 1946 Browns.
#Browns have started to decorate First Energy Stadium with 75th Anniversary banners pic.twitter.com/qYI63hvGPR
— Brad Stainbrook (@BrownsByBrad) July 5, 2021
Looks like the end zones at First Energy Stadium will be a little bit different this year in honor of the teams 75th anniversary #Browns
(jedrickwillsii/IG) pic.twitter.com/94MUQ9Jhtv
— clebrownsnetwork (@clebrownsntwork) July 22, 2021
All of this was a precursor to the big reveal on July 24: the 75th anniversary limited use uniforms.
Uniform Reveal
At 12:01 AM on July 24, the Browns took to social media to unveil the uniform.
Excited fans stayed up for it.
These uniforms were teased for weeks so there was tons of speculation what they would look like.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 5, 2021
There was a leak back in March that ended up being the correct uniform.
LEAK: #Browns anniversary jerseys reportedly have been leaked pic.twitter.com/LMwib8b9ev
— Brad Stainbrook (@BrownsByBrad) March 7, 2021
Some had hoped for an orange jersey; however, the team did not wear an orange jersey until 1953.
The Browns went with a historical look strongly resembling the 1946 team’s uniform.
Uniforms Earn An “A” Grade With Many Positive Reviews
Fans and players were very receptive to the 75th anniversary uniforms.
@Browns @bakermayfield these uniforms are 🔥🔥🔥🔥#clevelandbrowns #DawgPound #bakermayfield #Browns #dawgcheck
Let's Go !!!! pic.twitter.com/xkX7fKcAfM— Mike Lavelle 🇮🇪 (@IrishMike_1017) July 24, 2021
😱 🔥
The Browns 75th Anniversary uniforms are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!
OMG!!#Browns #Cleveland #ClevelandBrowns #Believeland #NFLTwitter #BrownsTwitter #CLE pic.twitter.com/UsHPsbhAmH
— Max Joseph (@Mjoseph492) July 24, 2021
There was no immediate negative feedback.
The helmets seemed to be less appealing.
The player’s number appearing on each side of the helmet was not a favorite.
However, left tackle Jedrick Wills approves of the whole look.
Jedrick Wills on Browns 75th anniversary unis:
"The uniforms are fire. I like the helmets more though." pic.twitter.com/20O6fEAunn
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) July 24, 2021
Some also thought the helmets could be more associated with the team’s AFC North rival (and fellow Ohio team), the Cincinnati Bengals.
That is definitely not the case since the Bengals did not even exist in 1946; that franchise was not established until 1967.
In the end, no one can dispute the homage paid to the 1946 team.
The look is very much the same as it was 75 years ago.
1946 – four Hall of Famers.
Perfection. pic.twitter.com/B3Zm5zaKrQ
— Mayfield Garrett Stefanski Era 🐶 (@MylesOffTheEdge) July 24, 2021
The 2021 Cleveland Browns
More important than the uniforms, fans hope the 2021 Browns emulate the 1946 Browns.
That team finished 12-2 and won the All-America Football Conference Championship.
The 2021 Browns are full of high expectations and goals.
Talented players and coaches are onboard.
There are no excuses.
The Browns have the right mix of youth and experience to be serious contenders.
In an era where free agency and salary cap considerations affect team rosters, this team will not stay together indefinitely.
Free agency will begin rearing its head at the end of 2021 with running back Nick Chubb and guard Wyatt Teller potentially testing the waters outside of Cleveland.
At the end of 2022, quarterback Baker Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward, and running back Kareem Hunt would be eligible for free agency.
For the legions of Browns fans who have supported this team through the bad years that have been prevalent for this franchise, the uniforms are great but winning is much more important.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Contract: What Would A New Deal Look Like?