If new left tackle Kevin Shaffer plays out the majority of his seven-year, $36 million contract in Cleveland, he’ll rapidly rise in the ranks of those Browns who have worn the number 77. Several have been left tackles, and the variety of personalities among this numerical cohort is especially wide.
In terms of games played in that jersey, Shaffer could conceivable rise as high as #2, behind a man who also had to grow into the left tackle position and whose last name is similar to his own. Here’s a brief rundown:
LT Dick Schafrath — games played as 77: 164. Browns legacy: A Legend. Afterwards: Republican State Senator in Ohio.
LT Rickey Bolden — games played as 77: 62: Browns legacy: Gifted but injury-riddled. Afterwards: Evangelist.
LT/G Ross Verba — games played as 77: 47. Browns legacy: Feisty malcontent. Afterwards: Investor and playboy.
DT/DE Lyle Alzado — games played as 77: 46. Browns legacy: Dually dynamic and destructive. Afterwards: Dead at 43.
RT Orlando “Zeus” Brown — games played as 77: 45. Browns legacy: Massive, and a massive temper. Afterwards: Raven madness.
DL/OL Willie Davis — games played as 77: 24. Browns legacy: NFL’s first Grambling draftee was a project, then trade bait. Afterwards: Packers Hall of Famer.
