CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Browns' No. 1 fan, Abe 'The Man in the Brown Suit' Abraham, died in his sleep Monday at his home in suburban Strongsville. He was 74.
An immigrant from Lebanon who ran a delicatessen and a restaurant, Abraham was assigned by the Browns to catch extra point and field goal attempts during all home games.
He stood in the closed end of Cleveland Stadium waiting for kicks, always wearing a brown suit.
He began his special duties in 1946 when Lou Groza was kicking for the Browns and worked his last game Dec. 12 when the Browns lost to the New York Jets 14-13.
Abraham, recently hospitalized with heart problems, got his special job by accident. He had been working at the stadium pass gate when he was sent across the field to deliver a message.
Abraham walked behind the goal posts just as Groza attempted a field goal. He said he looked up, saw the ball coming right at him and caught it. Afterward, he said, he was treated by the team doctor for bruised ribs.
