Retiring Dawson 'humbled' by Browns' gesture

BEREA, Ohio -- Phil Dawson spent his first 14 seasons with the Browns and is the only kicker in franchise history to be named to the Pro Bowl.

In announcing his retirement Friday, the 20-year veteran will forever be a member of the team.

General manager John Dorsey signed Dawson to an actual NFL player contract -- not a ceremonial one-day pact -- by clearing a spot on the 90-man roster for him, then placed him on the reserve/retired list.

Thanks to the extremely rare gesture, Cleveland will retain the 44-year-old's rights in perpetuity.

"I'm humbled that the Browns organization would take time to make this happen," said Dawson, who ranks seventh in league history with 305 games played, eighth…