Former Browns center Tom DeLeone, a two-time Pro Bowler who was recently inducted into the team’s Legends Club, died early Sunday. He was 65.
DeLeone, a proud Ohio State alum who was born in Ravenna and grew up in Kent, spent 11 seasons with the Browns from 1974-84 and was most famously remembered for his role on the “Kardiac Kids” team of 1980. One of three Browns centers to make multiple Pro Bowls, DeLeone started 104 games and appeared in 176.
DeLeone was the reliable triggerman and protector for Browns quarterback Brian Sipe, who was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1980.