Bubba Ventrone Reveals New Story About Phil Dawson's Capabilities

 

Story by Browns Nation

September 27, 2024

Years after he became the organization’s second all-time scorer, Cleveland made official what fans had felt for over a decade: kicker Phil Dawson deserved to be recognized as a Browns Legend.

Dawson – along with longtime play-by-play broadcaster Jim Donovan – were inducted last week as the 2024 class of Browns Legends during the team’s home contest against the New York Giants.

Since first being announced this summer, fans and former teammates have shared stories about Dawson as his abilities on the field were among the best in the NFL.

During his press conference on Thursday, special teams coach Bubba Ventrone – who was Dawson’s teammate – recalled a unique story about Dawson’s capabilities on the field.

Analyst Camryn Justice summarized his story on X, noting that Dawson could choose from one of six varieties of onside kicks and used signals on the field to alert teammates to which one he would employ.

#Browns Bubba Ventrone said when Phil Dawson was kicking in Cleveland he had six varieties of onside kicks he would choose from, calling which version he was going with on the field with a signal.

Ventrone said that they had "Dawson Six Pack" t-shirts made back then.

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 26, 2024

“Ventrone said that they had ‘Dawson Six Pack’ t-shirts made back then,” Justice wrote on X.

Dawson was a unique talent, unlike anything the NFL has seen in recent years.

The kicker started his NFL career in the 1999 season, coinciding with the Browns’ rebirth.

Dawson played 14 years with the Browns, making 305 of his 363 field goals attempted during that time.

The placekicker made 24 field goals from 50-plus yards, a record he still holds for the Browns.

After his time in Cleveland, Dawson played six more years – four with the San Francisco 49ers and two with the Arizona Cardinals. 

Jim Souhan: Katie Smith helped Lynx duo break her record

 

Story by Jim Souhan, The Minnesota Star Tribune

Associate head coach Katie Smith of the Minnesota Lynx yells to players during a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 19, 2022, in Las Vegas.© Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America/TNS

 

MINNEAPOLIS — Sometimes, she puts a hand in their face. Sometimes, she rebounds. Always, she needles, cajoles, jokes.

“Sometimes,” Katie Smith said, “I think the best defense of all is to make them laugh.”

For an hour before most every Minnesota Lynx practice, Smith, the team’s associate head coach, works on shooting with Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton, among others.

Smith helped both surpass her team record for most made three-pointers in a season, as they transformed the way the Lynx play offense.

“I have the easiest job in practice,” Smith said with a smile. “I rebound for them. Which means taking the ball out of the net.”

Carleton and McBride have long been considered modern 3-and-D players — meaning they could shoot three-pointers and excel on defense. Alanna Smith was a late-blooming post who neither frequently shot nor frequently made three-pointers.

Want to know why the Lynx have exceeded expectations and enter the WNBA playoffs as the No. 2 seed?

The excellence of Napheesa Collier and the savvy of point guard Courtney Williams rank high, but the biggest change has been in three-point shooting.

This season, Carleton and McBride were the two best volume three-point shooters on the team that led the WNBA in three-point percentage, at 38.0%. Last year, the Lynx finished 11th in the 12-team league at 32.5%.

Alanna Smith entered this season with a career three-point percentage of 24.9% and easily set a career best by making 39.8% in 2024. Reserve Cecilia Zandalasini returned to the WNBA for the first time since 2018. Her career three-point percentage was 38.3% entering 2024, when she made 44.3%.

With Collier operating near the paint and Williams excelling at clutch two-pointers, Carleton, McBride and Smith became proficient at the most effective play in basketball.

What was it like for Katie Smith to help players break her record? “It’s awesome,” said Smith, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and five-time All-Star with the Lynx, speaking animatedly after practice Saturday. “They’re such a joy to work with. First of all, they’re great shooters, but it’s kind of fun to nitpick and build their confidence and how they can exploit defenses. At the end of the day, I just want them to keep shooting.”

Smith dropped a coaching phrase: “shot credibility.” Being able to make three-pointers offers the obvious benefit of maximizing the scoring potential of a possession, as well as the secondary benefit of forcing defenses to scramble wildly to cover players 25 or 30 feet from the basket, stretching defensive concepts and defenders’ lung capacities.

“Shot credibility is huge, and creates so many other things for them,” Smith said. “I’m so lucky to work with them. They’re just such great people. They work so hard, and they bring a lot of joy. I just want them to have the utmost confidence in every situation.”

A season of sharpshooting culminated when Carleton confidently swished a 34-foot three-pointer in the waning seconds to beat Connecticut on Tuesday and secure the No. 2 seed.

Carleton took a pass from Collier, who was asking for a return pass. Carleton turned and shot with confidence, and only later realized just how far she had been from the basket.

This season, Carleton produced career bests in points (9.6) and minutes (29.9) per game. What’s interesting is that while she improved her three-point shooting percentage from 33.7% last year to 44.4%, she didn’t match her career best in that category — 45.7% in 2020, the last year the Lynx advanced to the league semifinals.

In McBride’s first 10 years in the league, she had made the All-Rookie team and three All-Star teams. She was coming off a 2023 season in which she made 34.2% of her three-point shots, tied for her lowest mark since 2017.

This year, she made better than 40% of her three-pointers (40.7%) for the second time in her career and first time since 2019.

“We love coming to work with Katie,” McBride said. “She’s a Hall of Famer, so everything she says, we take to heart.”

____

©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

How Jimmy Donovan, Phil Dawson reflected the heart of Browns fans – Terry Pluto

 

Phil Dawson kicked for the Browns in their first 14 years since coming back as an expansion team in 1999. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

By Terry Pluto, cleveland.com

Published: Sep. 22, 2024, 5:49 a.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – For some of us, the Browns began with Paul Brown, Jim Brown and then moved into the middle 1960s with Blanton Collier and the 1964 title team.

Or the Browns began in the 1980s, with Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar and teams that made the playoffs, year after year.

It’s been 35 years since the Browns had back-to-back winning seasons (1986-89). That means you have to be in your mid- 40s to remember those days.

But there is another group of Browns fans, almost a lost generation. They’re younger. They came later. The only Browns they know opened with the heart break of the move ... then the “new Browns,” the expansion Browns in 1999.

I thought about them when the Browns introduced Phil Dawson and Jimmy Donovan into their Legends Club.

Jim Donovan and Doug Dieken doing the Browns game in 1999, the first year back as an expansion franchise.

How it started

Dawson and Donovan, a kicker and a radio broadcaster.

Dawson had been cut by three teams in 1998. He made the Browns near the end of training camp in 1999. It was the expansion year.

Dawson still remembers former coach Chris Palmer saying, “I guess we’ll start with you.” Not exactly a comforting endorsement. He often mentioned how he knew “My next kick could be my last kick.”

It’s that way it’s for many NFL kickers. But Dawson lasted 14 years in Cleveland. The Browns prematurely cut him. He never wanted to leave Cleveland. Dawson kicked for six more years with two other teams.

Donovan auditioned for the radio job, competing with several other local broadcasters. He was selected and paired with Doug Dieken. They were the radio voices of the Browns for more than two decades.

Ahead of the Cleveland Air Show, Browns radio play-by-play man Jim Donovan announced he's going off the air to fight chronic cancer.Jeff Darcy/Cleveland.com

The best phone call

Donovan had to give up the radio duties a few weeks before the 2024 season opened. He’s battled leukemia and cancer since 2010. He’s in a major fight now and isn’t healthy enough to attend Sunday’s game.

At his press conference, Dawson talked about Donovan calling all his Browns games.

“I can’t think of anyone better to go in with,” said Dawson. “It’s an honor. I call him a friend. He’s going through a lot right now on the personal side.”

The Browns had Dawson call Donovan with the news of the team honoring the broadcaster.

“Having the chance to make that phone call and bring joy to a friend takes this to a whole new level,” said Dawson.

The kicker and the radio broadcaster have a special place in the hearts of fans. I asked for their thoughts on my Facebook page.

In the wind and cold, nobody kicked better than Phil Dawson. The Plain Dealer

The first memories

“Having been born in the late 1990′s, some of my first memories of the Browns are of Jim Donovan on the radio announcing Phil Dawson’s kicks. It was one of the constants through those lean years. It’s definitely the end of an era now that Jimmy and Doug (Dieken) are both retired. Glad to see Phil get the recognition he deserves as well.” - Thomas Mendiola

“I was born in the mid 1990′s. I have only ever known Jim Donovan’s voice. When I couldn’t watch the game, I genuinely would get excited to listen to it on the radio. Jim Donovan and the Cleveland Browns go hand and hand. The Ravens have now have Justin Tucker. That’s what we had in Phil Dawson. We never had to worry! I wish he could have spent his entire career in Cleveland! He is the player that reminds me of my childhood Cleveland Browns!” - Ben Marzano

“Phil Dawson was gold for many years. The fans always knew he was steady in those Lake Erie winds. My favorite memory is his game winning kick in the blizzard game against the Bills. Jim Donovan was the only voice I knew growing up as a Browns fan. My Dad used to bring his ear phones just to listen to his play calling even while we were at the games.

“I’ll always remember his words as the Browns finally made it to the Playoffs during Covid in 2020: ‘The only thing that is missing, is all of you.’” – Brittany Kilbourne

Very few people know the extent of Jim Donovan's fight with cancer since 2000.The Plain Dealer

A special memory

“I have witnessed the utter decency of Jim Donovan. A few years back, I was having dinner at the bar in Parallax in Tremont. Donovan, his wife, and another couple were seated at one of the bar tables, having dinner. The bus boy came to their table and mistakenly poured tap water into Donovan’s glass, which had contained expensive bottled water. Rather than lash out at the young man, Jimmy patted him on the back and told him not to worry. Perhaps not a huge thing, but nonetheless an act of human kindness and decency. I was especially impressed, as the bus boy was my son, Lenny.” - Daniel Klonowski

The voice, the memories

“Jimmy’s voice gives me the chills just like Nev Chandler’s voice did. Being Cleveland fans we may be experienced in heartbreak, but we have had some of the best commentators in all of professional sports. Phil was the only thing we had to be proud of for years (besides Joe Thomas). How many games did most, if not all of our points come from his foot alone? Jimmy and Phil were definitely bright spots. Good luck to Jimmy in his fight against cancer.” – Jessica Barnett

“Jimmy’s voice, his cadence, and the ease in which he called the Browns games painted a picture that made me feel like I was at the game. The way he did his job didn’t matter if the Browns had a winning or losing team. His passion for Cleveland sports was ever present – yet he was realistic about the team’s challenges. I value his honest assessment. I am missing him each and every Sunday.” – Colleen Kenney Roach

“Phil and Jim always provided rays of light during some pretty dark times. Not ashamed to say that some of Jim’s calls over the years brought tears to my eyes. Thanks Phil and Jimmy.” – Tim O’Hara

“Every once in a while, the Powers That Be get something right. Jimmy and Phil came up together, and they deserve to be honored together. They both exemplify what Browns Town is all about. No matter what else happens this season, THIS will be the highlight of the year. P.S. I cried! – Valerie Takacs

The Browns said goodbye to Phil Dawson too soon. He played in Cleveland for 14 years, then kicked for six more in the NFL. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com

Two class acts

“Jim Donovan and Phil Dawson are shining examples of character, responsibility, loyalty and hard work. Phil could always be counted on to come through with the kick we needed. His professionalism is rare in today’s world. Jim somehow managed to call the games with accuracy and positivity; not an easy feat. His ability to remain positive and never complain despite battling cancer for two decades is amazing. His retirement brings tears to my eyes." – Jeanne Cooper

“Jim Donovan was always electric. No matter the Browns record, he gave us his full energy. He was made for Cleveland Browns football. My Dad has the same leukemia as Jim. He is doing well, God bless both of them. In 1999 and coming back, you couldn’t walk anywhere without seeing that #4 Phil Dawson jersey. He was one Brown we could always count on as he was automatic.” – Steve Retzer

“I got very emotional and just thought for sure two of the greats of my time as a season ticket holder for 39 years.” – Keri Miller

“Dad taught me about football at age 10 ... I’m 66 Never waivered from my loyalties to the Browns teams through the ages. Only ever listened to Jim Donovan’s voice AND always knew Phil Dawson would be spot on with nearly every kick. Nothing like it, or probably ever again in my lifetime. I cried, especially for Jimmy Donovan.” – Laureen Spring

DAWSON, DONOVAN ARE LEGENDS

 

BROWNS TAKEAWAYS

One constant in all of former Browns kicker Phil Dawson’s most memorable moments was the voice calling them on the radio: Jim Donovan.

Now the two will be linked as Browns Legends in the 2024 class.

Donovan, who retired as the play-by-play voice of the team at the beginning of this season to focus on his battle with leukemia, got the call from Dawson that he was going to join him.

“I get the honor to inform you that you will be joining me in this year’s class, you will officially be a Cleveland Browns Legend,”

Dawson said on the call to Donovan, the kicker told the team website. “And I can think of no better honor than to get to make this phone call.” Dawson and Donovan both joined the Browns in 1999. Dawson spent 14 years in Cleveland where he connected in 305 of 363 kicks and was often one of the few bright spots during difficult seasons.

The same could be said for Donovan, who served as the radio voice of the team from the time they returned to the league until this season.

Marshal Yanda: Hall of Fame Class of 2025

 

ESPN News Services

Sep 18, 2024, 02:03 PM ET

Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and postseason kicking hero Adam Vinatieri are among the first-time nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

The Hall announced 167 modern era candidates for the class Wednesday that included 16 players who became eligible this year, including two-time All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda.

A screening committee will reduce the list of nominees to 50 players next month. Then the full 50-person selection committee will cut the list down to 25 semifinalists and then 15 finalists for the annual meeting before the Super Bowl that will produce the new class. Players must get 80% of votes to get in. Under the Hall of Fame's bylaws, between three to five players can get in as modern era candidates.

There will also be three senior candidates, grouped with one coach and contributor. At least one and no more than three of those finalists will get in based on voting.

The other first-time candidates are offensive linemen Travis Frederick, Ryan Kalil and Joe Staley; running backs Marshawn Lynch and Darren Sproles; receiver Demaryius Thomas; tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker; and defensive backs Antoine Bethea, Aqib Talib and Earl Thomas.

There are also 10 players back under consideration who were finalists a year ago. Tight end Antonio Gates, receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne; offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans; defensive backs Darren Woodson, Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison; defensive lineman Jared Allen; and running back Fred Taylor are back on the list.

Manning will look to follow his brother Peyton into the Hall following a standout career with the New York Giants. Manning was picked first overall in the 2004 draft by the Chargers and traded to the Giants, spending his entire career in New York. He led the Giants to an upset win over the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl following the 2007 season, throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the final minute.

He led another late TD drive to upset Tom Brady and the Patriots four years later. Manning is one of 13 QBs to win multiple Super Bowls, with eight of the nine who are eligible for the Hall getting inducted.

Only Jim Plunkett has not been inducted; more recent players in the category such as Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and Patrick Mahomes aren't eligible.

Manning was a four-time Pro Bowl selection but never made All-Pro or led the league in a major statistical category in a season but finished his career with 57,023 yards passing and 366 TDs.

His best moments were in those two postseason runs. Manning joined Brady (five), Mahomes (three), Joe Montana (three), Bart Starr (two) and Terry Bradshaw (two) as the only multiple winners of Super Bowl MVP awards.

Kuechly and Suggs were among the top defensive players of their era with Kuechly selected as the top defensive player in 2013 and Suggs in 2011.

Kuechly's career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2012 was an All-Pro five times in his eight-year career with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

Suggs was one of the top pass rushers in the league over his 17-year career, with his 139 sacks ranking eighth best since they became an official stat in 1982.

Suggs had seven double-digit sack seasons in his 16 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including 14 in 2011 when he was selected as the top defensive player in the league and led the NFL with seven forced fumbles.

He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and helped the Ravens win the Super Bowl in the 2012 season. He finished his career in Kansas City, where he helped the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl in the 2019 season.

Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl titles during New England's dynasty.

He helped launch the run with one of the game's greatest kicks -- a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the Tuck Rule game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the winning kick in OT in that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

He then made a 41-yarder two years later to give the Patriots a 32-29 win in the Super Bowl against Carolina. Vinatieri also won Super Bowls in 2004 with New England and in the 2006 season with the Indianapolis Colts.

Vinatieri is the NFL leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.

Yanda was a member of the 2010s all-decade team as a key of Baltimore's success. He also was selected second-team All-Pro five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his final seasons, missing in 2017 when he played only two games because of an injury.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Austin Blythe to Serve As Honorary Captain

 

September 5, 2024

 

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa standout offensive lineman Austin Blythe will serve as honorary captain when the Hawkeyes host Iowa State in an Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series contest on Saturday on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:40 p.m. (CT) and the game will be televised on CBS.

 

Blythe was a four-year starter for the Hawkeyes from 2012-15, helping lead Iowa to 31 victories, including 12 wins and a Big Ten West Division title as a senior. In his final year, he was a finalist for the Rimington Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top center. Blythe also was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree and named a permanent team captain in 2015.

 

Blythe appeared in 50 contests during his career, starting at right guard as a redshirt freshman in 2012 before moving to center for his final three seasons. The native of Williamsburg, Iowa, helped lead the Hawkeyes to three January bowl games as the starting center (2014 Outback Bowl; 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl; 2016 Rose Bowl). He earned second-team all-conference laurels as a junior and was tabbed honorable mention all-league his sophomore campaign.

 

Blythe played seven seasons in the National Football League after being drafted in the seventh round by Indianapolis in 2016. He played four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-20), and one year each with the Colts (2016), Kansas City Chiefs (2021) and Seattle Seahawks (2022). Blythe started at right guard in Super Bowl LIII for the Rams.

 

Blythe will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game.