According to reports, former Cleveland Browns player Preston Carpenter died at the age of 77 this past Thursday. Carpenter was drafted by the Browns with the 13th overall pick in the 1956 draft as a running back. He was the team's featured back during his rookie season, carrying the ball 188 times for 756 yards.
Following his rookie season, Carpenter primarily moved to wide receiver for the Browns. Why was that? Because the Browns drafted a running back named "Jim Brown" in the first round of the 1957 draft. Carpenter averaged about 25 catches and 400 yards receiving in his final three years with the team. He continued playing receiver/tight end the rest of his 12-year NFL career as a member of the Steelers, Redskins, Vikings, and Dolphins.
I'm far too young to remember Carpenter's days with the Browns. If anyone here ever saw him in action, feel free to comment on any memories you have of him.