Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam commissioned Lakewood’s David L. Deming, the nationally renowned sculptor who designed and built the Jim Brown statue that was unveiled in 2016, to do the same for Graham earlier this year.
“As we celebrate the NFL’s 100th season, we are honored to pay tribute to Otto Graham with this timeless sculpture that will properly recognize him not only as one of the Browns’ top players but also as one of pro football’s greatest all-time quarterbacks,” the Haslams said. “This year’s Alumni Weekend will be truly special as we welcome many of our Browns Legends back home in Cleveland, as well as have the opportunity to thank and host many members of Otto Graham’s family.”
Graham’s grandson, Ryan Vanname will be among the numerous friends and relatives of Graham in attendance for the statue’s unveiling on Sept. 7 according to the team.
Vanname was able to see a preview of the sculpture earlier this spring.
“It’s amazing,” Vanname said. “I know my family will definitely be proud of the work (Deming) did on this because right when I walked in it’s like, ‘that’s him. That’s my grandfather.’”
Graham, whose No. 14 is just one of five numbers retired by the team, spent all 10 seasons of his professional career with the Browns and to this day is still regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Graham was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
Graham was member of the Browns’ inaugural class of Browns Legends in 2001 and inducted into the Browns’ Ring of Honor along with the rest of the team’s 16 Pro Football Hall of Fame members in 2010.
The Northwestern alum threw for 23,584 yards and 174 touchdowns and he rushed for 46 more touchdowns throughout his career. His 64.73 completion percentage in the 1953 season remains a club record.
Graham went 57-13-1 as a starter and never missed a game. He was elected all-league in nine of his 10 seasons, was a five-time NFL Pro Bowler and a named member of the 1950's all-decade team.
Graham, a member of the inaugural Browns team in 1946, led the franchise to 10 consecutive championship game appearances, winning all four All-America Football Conference championships (1946, 1947, 1948, 1949) and three NFL championships (1950, 1954, 1955).
Graham died in December 2003 at the age of 82.
The statue unveiling on the southwest corner of FirstEnergy Stadium is part of the team’s Fantennial and Alumni Weekend that will run from Sept. 6-8.
During the season opener on Sept. 8 against the Tennessee Titans, the Browns will recognize their championship teams, Browns Legends and pivotal moments in the franchise’s history.