Arthur B. (Mickey) McBride is one of the most important sports figures in Cleveland history for two reasons. First, he founded the Cleveland Browns in 1946 and, second, he hired Paul Brown to coach them.

McBride started his business career as a newsboy on the south side of Chicago in the late 1890’s, defending his corner with his fists and with his guile. At the age of 23 he was circulation director of the Chicago American. Three years later in 1913 the Cleveland News hired him as its circulation director.

The resourceful McBride eventually expanded his horizons. In 1931 he bought a half interest in Zone Cab and in 1933 he bought Yellow Cab. He invested in real estate in Cleveland, Chicago and Florida. He bought a printing company and a horse racing wire service.

He became interested in football in the early 1940s when his son, Art Jr., was a student at the University of Notre Dame. In 1942 he attempted to buy the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League from owner Dan Reeves, who rejected his overture. Consequently, when the All-America Football Conference was launched, McBride purchased a franchise for $50,000 and put Paul Brown on the payroll when he was still in the Navy. He also signed players and began paying them, such as Lou Groza and Dante Lavelli, when they were still in the service overseas. In 1950 McBride navigated the Browns into the NFL. In seven years under McBride’s ownership the Browns won five championships and had a record of 83-13-3. They rightfully called themselves the greatest show in football. McBride sold the Browns in 1953 to a Cleveland syndicate for $600,000.

He also contributed to the lexicon of pro football with his “Cab Squad,” giving borderline players jobs driving cabs until they were needed. The cab companies are still owned by his family.

The left-handed quarterback was a member of Chanel High School’s first graduating class in 1961 and went on to star at Miami of Ohio and later with the Cleveland Browns, where he made all-pro.

At Miami he was an all-conference signal caller for three straight years from 1962-64. He is still Miami’s all-time total offense leader with 3,978 yards. His 88-yard touchdown pass led to a 10-7 victory over Purdue, which was called the biggest upset of the 1962 college season.

Ernie was drafted in the 12th round of the 1965 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who already had Don Meredith firmly entrenched at quarterback, so they moved him to defensive back. In those days it was not uncommon to move an athletic quarterback to defensive back. Although Ernie had not played defense since high school, he was a quick learner and was making progress. But when the final cuts were made, Ernie was released. He was determined, however, to play pro football and his resolve paid off.

Acting on a recommendation from Miami coach Bo Schembechler, Browns coach Blanton Collier signed Ernie to the Browns’ taxi squad in 1965. He practiced with the Browns but never dressed for a game.

In 1966, however, an injury created an opportunity at safety and Ernie seized the chance. He started most of the season and intercepted three passes. He went on to start for five seasons and was a key backup for a sixth campaign. Ernie was a starting safety in the 1969 Pro Bowl. The Browns made the playoffs four times with him in the lineup.

After being cut by the Browns, he hooked on with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 1972 season and with Buffalo for the ’73 campaign. Ernie then retired and remained in business in the Cleveland area.