Earnest Byner

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Byner's time in Cleveland was defined by his partnership with Kevin Mack, forming a dangerous one-two punch in the backfield. In 1985, both runners eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. This efficiency propelled the team to consecutive AFC Championship appearances against the Denver Broncos. The peak of this run occurred during the 1987 AFC Championship Game. Trailing 21–3, Byner was instrumental in a comeback that tied the game at 31. With six minutes remaining and the score 38–31 after a Broncos touchdown, Byner received a handoff from Bernie Kosar on a play off left tackle. He powered past the defensive line, appearing certain to score the game-tying touchdown, when Bronco defensive back Jeremiah Castille stripped him of the ball. This play, known simply as 'The Fumble', became the defining moment of his career, despite him finishing with 67 rushing yards, seven receptions for 120 yards, and two touchdowns.

In Their Own Story

The 1987 AFC Championship Game remains the most memorable chapter of Byner's Cleveland tenure. After mounting a massive comeback from a 21–3 deficit to tie the game at 31, the Browns faced a critical moment with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Denver Broncos had just taken a 38–31 lead. On the ensuing drive, the Browns moved the ball downfield, reaching the Denver 8-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Byner took the Kosar handoff and ran off left tackle. He surged past the defensive line, looking sure to score the equalizing touchdown that would force overtime. However, Bronco safety Jeremiah Castille managed to strip the ball from his grasp. The play became known as 'The Fumble,' marred an otherwise impressive performance where he recorded two touchdowns, 67 rushing yards, and seven receptions for 120 yards.

Reader's Guide

Byner was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the tenth round (280th pick overall) of the 1984 NFL draft. He played for the franchise from 1984 to 1988 before being traded to the Washington Redskins for running back Mike Oliphant prior to the 1989 season. He returned to Cleveland for two seasons (1994–1995) before finishing his career with the Baltimore Ravens (1996–1997). Over his 14-year NFL career, he ranked 16th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 8,261 yards on 2,095 carries and 56 touchdowns. He also caught 512 passes for 4,605 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 512 receptions is tied for the 13th most by a halfback/fullback/running back in NFL history as of 2018. He finished within the top 50 all-time leaders in rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns, and total yards. In 1998, he was inducted into the East Carolina Hall of Fame.

Did You Know?

• Byner was the first player to be inducted into the Baltimore Ravens' Ring of Honor in 2000.
• He scored a touchdown on a recovered fumble during his NFL career, contributing to his total of 72 career scores.
• In Super Bowl XXVI (1992), Byner caught a touchdown pass for the Washington Redskins, winning the NFL Championship he could not secure with the Browns.