Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
Signed as a professional by the Cleveland Browns in 1946 out of Northwestern University after serving in the Navy during World War II, Graham dominated the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and NFL in the post-war era.
Over four seasons in the AAFC (1946-1949), Graham led the Browns to four straight championships, going undefeated in 1948 with a 14-0 record. Transitioning to the NFL in 1950, he guided Cleveland to six consecutive championship games, winning titles in 1950, 1954, and 1955.
His 1953 season was exceptional, throwing for 2,722 yards and 11 touchdowns while earning MVP honors. Graham retired after the 1955 championship, having appeared in a league title game every year of his 10-season career—a record unmatched in pro football history.
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Graham’s career totals stand at 23,584 passing yards, 174 touchdowns and 135 interceptions (estimated from seasonal data) in 126 games, with 1,565 rushing yards and 44 rushing scores, reflecting his versatility in the T-formation offense.
He holds the NFL record for career yards per attempt (8.63) and the [highest winning percentage for a starting quarterback](https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/quarterback-with-the-best-win-percentage-in-nfl-history-minimum-60-games) (.814). Graham earned five Pro Bowl selections, seven first-team All-Pro honors, three NFL MVPs (1951, 1953, 1955) and a Hall of Fame induction in 1965.
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Graham’s standout attributes were his precision passing, intelligence in reading defenses and athleticism, allowing him to excel as both a passer and runner. Nicknamed “Automatic Otto,” he possessed remarkable poise and leadership.
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While Graham’s era lacked deep stats, his low error rate and clutch performance in big games—winning seven of 10 championships—drew minimal criticism.
Graham’s dominance helped legitimize the Browns in the NFL and set a standard for quarterback excellence, influencing the position’s evolution before retiring at 34 as the era’s greatest.