Bob Gain obit

Former Cleveland Browns champion, All-Pro Bob Gain has died

He was not on the list.



Bob Gain, an eight-time All-Pro defensive lineman with Cleveland who helped the Browns win three consecutive NFL titles, has died. He was 87.

Gain's granddaughter, Michelle Talor, confirmed Wednesday that Gain died Monday in Willoughby, Ohio. Drafted fifth overall by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in 1951, he went to the Browns in 1952 and was part of championship teams from 1954-56. Gain's 13-year NFL career featured one first team All-Pro selection, seven second-team mentions and five Pro Bowls.

The Weirton, West Virginia, native was a two-time All-American at Kentucky, playing on both sides of the ball and kicking for legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1947-50. He still holds the school single-game record for extra points with 10 against North Dakota in 1950.

Kentucky went 33-10-2 with Gain, who was a member of the program's first three bowl teams. The two-time All-American and three-year All-Southeastern Conference selection was also the SEC's first winner of the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman in 1950.

As a senior Gain helped lead the Wildcats to an 11-1 record, the SEC title and 1951 Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma.

Gain followed his NFL selection by the Packers by going to the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders and winning the Grey Cup. He spent the next year in the U.S. Air Force before returning to the NFL with Cleveland.

Gain was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980. He also is a member of Halls of Fame in Cleveland, Kentucky and West Virginia.