Hanford Dixon was presented with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, highlighting his historic career as a cornerback for the Browns, as well as his continued work in the community following his playing career. He is the 23rd recipient of the award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to a person who has dedicated their life to the advancement of sports in Cleveland. Hanford was recognized on stage at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Feb. 5.
"When I first heard that I was getting an award, the first thing I said was 'wow,'" Dixon said. "Because when you look at it and really put it in perspective, when you look at some of the names of some of the people that have won this award, you hold your head high. I have so much respect for some of the past recipients of this award. I'm just blessed and happy to be on that list and to be recognized as someone that's trying to put a dent in this community and make this community a little bit better."
Dixon was first drafted by the Browns in 1981 and spent the entirety of his NFL career in Cleveland until 1989. He was a part of one of the strongest secondaries in the league alongside All-pro cornerback Frank Minnifield. Over the course of his career, Dixon recorded 26 interceptions, earned three Pro Bowl selections and was named to two All-Pro teams. Dixon helped lead the Browns to six playoff appearances, including three AFC Championship games, becoming a defensive centerpiece during one of the most successful eras in the history of the franchise.
Dixon is also credited as one of the players who helped name the "Dawg Pound," the famous group of Browns faithful who sit in the east end zone and cheer for the Browns each Sunday. Sections 118-122 at Huntington Bank Field are dedicated to the most devoted Browns fans in the stadium. The barking that started at training camp in 1985 spearheaded the creation of new chants and barks that would go on to form the Browns "Dawg" identity for the last 40 years.
"I came here and I just love the city, love the people now you can't get rid of me," Dixon said. "I'm still here. But things that really stand out is obviously the teams we had. Some of the players we had on that team – guys like Clay Matthews, Ozzie Newsome, Chip Banks, obviously my partner in crime Frank Minnifield, Bernie Kosar, Kevin Mack, just to name a few – just some of the relationships that I had and still have today with a lot of those guys."
Following his playing career, Dixon stayed in Cleveland where he continues to give back to the community through his ongoing involvement with the Browns. Beyond football, he has also established himself as a respected broadcaster and television personality.
Through Legends Clinics, Dixon also partners with the Browns' field refurbishment initiative to mentor young athletes. In 2023, Dixon helped create unforgettable memories for cancer survivors through the Super Bowl Surprise initiative—sending deserving individuals to the biggest games of the year for an experience filled with hope and joy.
As a two-time Co-Chair of Taste of the Browns, he has championed the Greater Cleveland Food Bank's mission, raising awareness and critical support for hunger relief efforts across the region. Most recently, through the Stay in the Game! Top Dawgs attendance celebration, Dixon surprised students who were honored for outstanding school attendance, reinforcing the importance of education and perseverance.
"The people here in Cleveland remind me a lot of other people in Mobile and Theodore, Alabama, and my mom and dad – just blue collar, hardworking people, and that's what Cleveland is all about," Dixon said. "And that's why it was very important after I stayed here for me to do things in the community. I used to have football camps for kids, and that was very, very important to me. Just try to get involved, and every time I have a chance to talk to a youth or help a kid along the way, I'm just happy to do that."
As Dixon accepted the award at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, his four children were in attendance to see their father recognized by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
The Browns value the work of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and have collaborated for decades, dating back to the very beginning of the Sports Awards. Their continued commitment to shine a spotlight on sports throughout the year, and this event recognizes athletes at every level, from high school standouts to professional stars.
The Greater Cleveland Sports Awards is an annual fundraiser to support the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, a local non-profit with its goals of improving the economy and the community through hosting major sporting and competitive events. Since 2000, the Great Cleveland Sports Commission has brought over 270 sporting events to the area, which has created more than $1 billion in economic activity in Northeast Ohio.
