Marion Motley and Bill Willis integrate the AAFC with Cleveland Browns

Running back Marion Motley and guard Bill Willis signed with the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference in August 1946 — the same year Washington and Strode joined the NFL Rams. Coach Paul Brown proactively recruited both players. Motley rushed for 601 yards at 8.2 yards per carry in his first season; both went on to Pro Football Hall of Fame careers and four AAFC championships.