June 6, 2005 -- Independence, OH: You knew this was going to be a special night.

Whether it was the "Browns Mobile" in the parking lot, the fans in the hotel lobby hoping to catch a glimpse or stray autograph from 'them', or the numerous reporters in the hallway waiting to report that 'they' had in fact arrived. 'They' are the Champions of Cleveland, and you knew this was going to be a special night because they' were in fact here - together again - for one night.

The team sat with their fans happy to share stories and memories throughout the evening, and then it started. Legendary Cleveland Sports Broadcaster Gib Shanley began the roast of Jim Brown with poignant stories and good natured ribbing. Fellow teammates Walter Beech, Tom Goosby, Monte Clark, and Bernie Parrish joined in the fray, and delighted the audience with 'what it was really like to play alongside the greatest running back of all time'.

While that was going on, KDS Fundraising's Jeffrey Hammond and Michael Melcher moved the evening along with a benefit auction of sports memorabilia that had never before been seen since the sidelines of 1964! The audience bid against each other for such rare items as Cleveland Browns warm-up jackets, 1964 NFL Championship cufflinks, balls, photographs, and actual seats from Memorial Stadium signed by the entire team.

Thousands of dollars were raised to benefit Amer-I-Can and Normandy High School's Athletic Department.

Then it happened.

The entire Offensive Line that had worked so tirelessly for Jim Brown over his illustrious career had a bone to pick. John Wooten, John Morrow, Dale Memmelaar, Johnny Brewer, and the gang had realized that through all of Jim Browns personal accomplishments (NFL Rookie of the Year, nine straight Pro Bowls, two-time NFL MVP, and 12,312 rushing yards -- just to name a few), the Offensive Line never received a gift of gratitude from Mr. Brown in all those years.

While players today routinely reward the offensive line with dinner, suits, watch's, rare vintage wine, or even cars -- Jim Brown never once offered such niceties to his offensive line, and they came tonight to collect! The Offensive Line individually came up, announced, and presented a 'tab' to Jim Brown for services rendered, and the audience laughed right alongside Jim Brown!

The room which had been loud with applause, cheers, and laughter all evening became immediately quiet when he came to the microphone.

When Jim Brown speaks, everyone listens.

With the style and grace that resembled a running back eluding his captors, Jim Brown acknowledged the reason why this 1964 Browns team was so special indeed -- they were a team.

It seems so simple, but looking out in the audience that evening showed you that they were still a team. All 40 teammates sharing their moment with the city they still represent. It's no longer 1964, but still to this day 'They' are the Champions of Cleveland.

This truly was a special night!