Posted November 06, 2025 in Press Releases
CLEVELAND, OH – Nov. 6, 2025 – Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is proud to announce that legendary Cleveland Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon, will be honored with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to a person who has dedicated their life to the advancement of sports in Cleveland. The program, presented by Ancora and Minutemen Workforce Solutions, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115. Hanford will be recognized on-stage at the event with a special conversation including former Cleveland Browns teammates.
Dixon had a successful career in Cleveland during one of the most memorable eras of football for the Browns. He was drafted by the Browns in 1981 and went on to become widely regarded as the greatest cornerback in Browns history. He spent his entire career in Cleveland from 1981 to 1989.
Over the course of his career, he recorded 26 interceptions, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and was named to two All-Pro teams. Dixon helped lead the Browns to six playoff appearances, including three AFC Championship Games, becoming a defensive centerpiece during one of the most successful eras in the history of the franchise.
Dixon is also credited as one of the players who helped name the "Dawg Pound," the famous group of Browns faithful who sit in the east end zone and raucously cheer for the Browns each Sunday. The rallying identity transformed the Browns’ fan base and has endured for more than 40 years.
After his final season in 1989, Dixon had created a lifetime worth of memories in Cleveland. Following his playing career, Dixon chose to remain in Cleveland, where he continues to give back to the community through his ongoing involvement with the Browns organization. Beyond football, he has also established himself as a respected broadcaster and television personality.
Dixon continues to make a powerful impact beyond the game, inspiring the next generation through leadership, compassion, and community engagement. Through Legends Clinics, Hanford partners with the Browns’ field refurbishment initiative to mentor young athletes. In 2023, Hanford helped create unforgettable memories for cancer survivors through the Super Bowl Surprise initiative—sending deserving individuals to the biggest game of the year for an experience filled with hope and joy. As a two-time Co-Chair of Taste of the Browns, he has championed the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s mission, raising awareness and critical support for hunger relief efforts across the region. Most recently, through the Stay in the Game! Top Dawgs Attendance Celebration, Hanford surprised students who were honored for outstanding school attendance, reinforcing the importance of education and perseverance.
Whether on the field, in the community, or uplifting those in need, Hanford Dixon exemplifies what it means to be a true leader—both as a Cleveland Browns legend and as a champion for positive change.
Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award have ranged from former Guardians’ franchise greats and Browns legends to high school football coaches in the region. Former recipients include:
- 2002 – Jim Brown, former running back, Cleveland Browns
- 2003 – Mark H. McCormack, Founder, International Management Group
- 2004 – Bob Feller, former pitcher, Cleveland Indians
- 2005 – Richard Jacobs, former owner, Cleveland Indians
- 2006 – Herb Score, former pitcher & announcer, Cleveland Indians
- 2007 – Joe Tait, former broadcaster, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2008 – Chuck Kyle, Head Football Coach, St. Ignatius High School
- 2009 – Bob Kain, former CEO, IMG
- 2010 – Dr. John A. Bergfeld. M.D., Senior Orthopedic Surgeon & team physician, Cleveland Clinic
- 2011 – Reggie Rucker, former wide receiver, Cleveland Browns
- 2012 – Austin Carr, former guard & current broadcaster, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2013 – Bernie Kosar, former quarterback, Cleveland Browns
- 2014 – Tom Hamilton, sportscaster & announcer, Cleveland Indians
- 2015 – Jim Donovan, radio & TV personality, WKYC & Cleveland Browns
- 2016 – Mike Hargrove, former first baseman & manager, Cleveland Indians
- 2017 – Zydrunas Ilgauskas, former center, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2018 – Sandy Alomar Jr., coach and former catcher, Cleveland Indians
- 2019 – Dolan Family, owners, Cleveland Indians
- 2021 – CC Sabathia, pitcher, Cleveland Indians
- 2022 – Ted Ginn, Sr., head football coach, Glenville High School
- 2023 – Renee Powell, LPGA/PGA Head Golf Professional at Clearview Golf Club
- 2024 – Dan Gilbert, chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder and chairman of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT)
Tickets are now on sale for the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards presented by Ancora and Minutemen Workforce Solutions. This premier annual fundraiser supports Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and celebrates a year of athletic achievements in Northeast Ohio from high school stars to professional athletes.
The evening will also include Cleveland celebrity emcees and special guest appearances, an exclusive pre-show reception featuring dinner stations, networking, open bar, silent auction, and much more. Following the reception, guests will be seated in the arena for refreshments and a fully produced awards program mirrored on the venue’s big screen. The live awards show will be followed by the After Party presented by Westfield.
Additional award programs and special celebrity appearances will be announced soon. To learn more about the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, visit clevelandsportsawards.com. A digital toolkit is available here.