CLEVELAND — Former Browns kicker Phil Dawson is returning to Cleveland on a one-day contract to retire with his first team.
Dawson, who was originally signed by the Browns in 1999, won the placekicking job during training camp. He stayed with the team through the 2012 season before his stints with the 49ers and the Cardinals.
“To have the opportunity to come back home and retire with the organization and the city that I love is incredibly meaningful to me,” Dawson said. “It only seems right to have the opportunity to do this with the fans that have been so good to me and my family.”
Dawson holds team records for most career field goals, highest career field goal percentage, most field goals in a season, most consecutive field goals made and most consecutive games with a field goal, in addition to others.
In 2012, Dawson became the only Browns kicker to be selected to the Pro Bowl.
The legendary Browns kicker even has a rule named after him, allowing kicks that hit the uprights or crossbar to be reviewable. It's called the Phil Dawson rule.
The Browns organization is excited to have Dawson back in Browns and Orange, even if only for a day.
“We are thrilled that Phil Dawson wanted to come back and retire as a Cleveland Brown,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “He epitomizes the characteristics that we look for in our players – hardworking, professional, consistent and he was a pillar in the community. He is a great example for all current and future Browns.”
Dawson is also excited to be heading home to wrap up his career.
Hey CLE, looking forward to spending the weekend with y’all.
— Phil Dawson (@phil_dawson_4) August 1, 2019
