Preseasons Past

Each year, fans as well as players anxiously await the start of the National Football League season.  But, first there are four weeks of preseason that must be completed.  Over the upcoming weeks, Profootballhof.com takes a glimpse at memorable moments from past preseason games.

August 9, 1999

Daylon McCutcheon

During the televised broadcast on ABC’s NFL Monday Night Football the Cleveland Browns took to the field for the first time since 1995, ending a three-season hiatus from the NFL.

Following an exciting four quarters of play the score was tied at 17-17, becoming the first AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game to go into overtime. Cleveland won the toss to start the extra quarter and elected to receive. After only three plays Cleveland was forced to punt. With 11:57 remaining in the overtime period, Cleveland regained possession of the ball following an interception by rookie cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, a third round draft pick out of Southern California playing in his first professional game.  The interception led to a game-winning 20-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.

University of Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch, the number one overall draft pick in 1999, also made his professional debut with the Browns that day. Couch completed 11 of 17 passes for 137 yards and one touchdown as the Browns went on to defeat the Dallas Cowboys 20–17.

Other Preseasons Past:
 August 17, 1973 - Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins