HALL OF FAMER GENE HICKERSON PASSES

Browns offensive lineman Gene Hickerson, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 73. He spent 15 years with the Browns, from 1958 through 1960, and 1962 through 1973. He appeared in six consecutive Pro Bowls, and was voted an All-Pro five times. During his time in the NFL, he blocked for running backs Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell, and Leroy Kelly. Said Brown, who is now a member of the team’s senior management: “I want people all over this country to know that he was a great friend of mine, as well as a great protector of mine. He was a tremendous guard, a tremendous pulling guard, but also an outstanding individual. We all eventually leave this earth at some time, but I am so glad he was able to leave with his dignity and with the recognition from all of us -- his former teammates, the fans and writers -- who wanted him to go into the Hall of Fame after waiting so long for that honor. I truly respected him as a player and as a human being.” Our thoughts and prayers are with Hickerson’s family and friends.