In 1956, the Browns made Arkansas running back Preston Carpenter the 13th overall pick in the draft. As a rookie, Carpenter rushed for 756 yards during a 12-game season.
The next year, Carpenter moved to receiver. But not because he wanted to. He made the move because the Browns drafted another running back in 1957. A former Syracuse tailback named Jim Brown.
So Carpenter became a receiver, eventually making it to the Pro Bowl with the Steelers at that position in 1962. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer (and as mentioned in the Sunday one-liners), Carpenter has died after a brief illness, at the age of 77.
Our condolences go out to Carpenter’s family, friends, and teammates.