This is an article containing excerpts from the book Massillon Memories authored by Scott H. Shook in 1998.
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Paul E. Brown (excerpt 2 of 3)
by Scott H. Shook
October 1998
Many say Paul E. Brown is Massillon football. For certain, his impression is undeniable--and idelible.
Paul Brown became a legend in football at Massillon, winning championships and creating a fervor for football. His legend grew as he won Ohio State's first national championship in 1942--and Ohio State became like Massillon. The Cleveland Browns, named after Paul Brown, enjoyed unparalleled success,--and they became like Massillon. When Paul Brown formed the Cincinnati Bengals and led them to a Super Bowl faster than any other expansion team--they, too became like Massillon.
Paul Brown wove the Massillon "thread" through his entire career. And everywhere he went he tried to create "another Massillon." Arguably the finest coach in football history, a national champion at every level of football, Paul Brown loved Massillon as much as Massillon loved him. And he left Massillon in a state of football delirium that will last forever.
"When he was really famous and very successful, he never forgot his friends in Massillon. You just can't imagine how tickled he was to see you and how anxious he was to do something for you."Tom McConnaughy
- on his dealings with Paul Brown as an adult.
Massillon Industrial Arts Teacher
Childhood Friend of Paul Brown
"Paul loved Massillon. Massillon was everything to him. He'd say, 'When I died I want to go back to Massillon,' and that's where he came back to."Marian Evans
- on her brother's wish.
Coach Paul Brown's Sister
"I feel honored. I like to drive out there and just look at it."Paul E. Brown
- on his feelings about Tiger Stadium bearing his name.
Massillon Quarterback, 1923-25
Championship Coach: Massillon Tigers,
Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns
Coached 14 Championship Teams
Founder, Head Coach, GM, Cincinnati Bengals
Scribes said it. . .
"Paul Brown took me for a drive around Massillon. We passed a grade school at recess time. Out in the school yard were 30 or 40 boys. It was snowing, and those kids were running around in heavy coats and galoshes. And what was the toy they were playing with? You guessed it--a football!"
Michael Desmond, The Columbus Citizen, 1940