CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns will add linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and the late quarterback Bill Nelsen to its 2021 class of Browns Legends.
The duo will be honored during Week 3 of the NFL season on Sept. 26 when the Browns host the Bears.
Jackson and Nelsen were chosen by an eight-person selection committee. The Browns have been honoring former players since 2001. Former Browns who are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and meet the criteria automatically join the group of Browns Legends.
To qualify, players must have been with the Browns for five years, been a major contributor at their respective position and been retired from the NFL for at least five years.
The Browns said that because of the pandemic, the 2020 class, Josh Cribbs and Webster Slaughter will be honored as Browns Legends alongside Nelsen and Jackson.
“We are always honored to recognize Browns alumni who mean so much to our organization and fans, and it is even more special this year as we have the opportunity to do it throughout our 75th anniversary season,” team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “After not being able to host the event in 2020, we greatly look forward to 2021 Alumni Weekend, when we will induct four deserving men – D’Qwell Jackson, Bill Nelsen, Webster Slaughter and Josh Cribbs – into our Legends program as we celebrate them and all of our alumni’s achievements and commitment to the Browns.”
Jackson spent six seasons in Cleveland, but missed 2010 due to injury. Jackson led the NFL in tackles with 154 in 2008, and then led the AFC with 158 in 2011.
Despite finishing his career in Indianapolis, Jackson considers himself a Brown first.
“I know now I’m not wearing the helmet, I’m not playing for the organization but I’m still a Brown and will always be a Brown. If they’re winning, I’m winning. If they’re losing, I’m losing and feeling it. I’m just excited to be a part of it and it makes it all that sweeter,” said Jackson.
Nelsen was the Browns’ seventh-leading passer, throwing for 9,725 yards in five seasons. Nelsen was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1969. Nelsen died at the age of 78 in 2019.
