Former Browns defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski, a key member of Cleveland's 1964 championship team, passed away Friday at the age of 87.
Modzelewski, who spent the bulk of his 14-year career with the New York Giants, played his final three seasons with the Browns. He never missed a game, appearing in 180 with 161 starts. His older brother, Ed, was a fullback for the Browns from 1955-59.
The Browns acquired Modzelewski in a trade before the 1964 season that sent tight end Bobby Crespino to the Giants. He started in most of the team's games in 1964 and 1965, seasons that ended with trips to the NFL Championship. Cleveland won it all in 1964 and lost to the Packers the following year.
Modzelewski began his coaching career with the Browns, serving as an assistant with the team from 1968-77.
Modzelewski, who starred at the University of Maryland before joining the NFL in 1953, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the National Polish Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
Modzelewski is survived by his wife, Dorothy Jane, and four children. A funeral is set for Oct. 26 in Mentor.
