Sipe, Brian W.
Football
b. Aug. 8, 1949, San Diego, CA
Sipe played quarterback at Grossmont Junior College and San Diego State University, where he led NCAA major colleges in 1971 by completing 17.8 passes per game. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the 13th round of the 1972 NFL draft.
For two seasons, Sipe was a non-roster member of Cleveland's taxi squad. He became a backup to Mike Phipps in 1974 and took over the starting job in 1976. The 1980 Browns, nicknamed the "Kardiac Kids" because they won so many games in the closing minutes, won the AFC Central Division title. Sipe was named NFL player of the year by Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers Association after completing 337 of 554 passes for 4,132 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Sipe lost his starting job in 1982 and he left the Browns in 1984 to play two seasons in the United States Football League before retiring.
In his 10 NFL seasons, the 6-foot-1, 193-pound Sipe completed 1,944 of 3,439 attempts for 23,713 yards and 154 touchdowns. He also rushed for 11 touchdowns.