The winningest coach in NFL history, legendary Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula passed away on Monday. He was 90.
Shula is renowned for his coaching genius with the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins, but everything began for him in Northeast Ohio. A native of Grand River in Lake County, Shula starred at running back at John Carroll University before the Cleveland Browns drafted him in the 9th round of the 1951 NFL Draft.
Shula played his first two NFL seasons with the Browns, switching to defensive back. Wearing No. 96, he picked off four passes as a rookie for a Browns team that lost in the NFL Championship game. In 1952 he was injured and limited to just five games. The Browns let him go after the season and Shula played four more years with the Colts and one final season in Washington before embarking on his incredible coaching career.
Shula was a visible presence in Northeast Ohio throughout his life, often returning for public and charity appearances. Our condolences are with the Shula family.