On January 4th, 1981, in subzero temperatures at Cleveland Municipal Stadium the Cleveland Browns lost a heart-breaking AFC divisional playoff game to the Oakland Raiders 14-12. The polar vortex that day had wind chills of -36 degrees Fahrenheit. The swirling winds and cold temperatures caused Browns kicker Don Cockcroft to miss two field goal attempts. Because of that Browns head coach Sam Rutigliano decided for a more aggressive approach towards the end of the game. With under a minute to play the Browns drove to the Oakland 13-yard line. Instead of running the ball and setting up a last second potential game winning field goal attempt. The Browns head coach called a pass play known as red right 88. Browns quarterback Brian Sipe threw an interception to Raiders defensive back Mike Davis effectively ending the 1980 Cleveland Browns magical season. At what a magical season it was.

The 1980 Cleveland Browns were nicknamed the Kardiac Kids, this was because many of their games that season came down to the last minute or last play of the game. Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Sipe earned the NFL most valuable player award that season. It was the Browns first playoff appearance in 8 years and their first division title in 9 years. Their 1980 regular season record was 11-5 earning the AFC Central Division Championship. It was unique team at a unique time for the city of Cleveland Ohio.

Prior to 1980 and through most of the 1970’s, the Cleveland sports scene was in dark times. The Cleveland Browns were mediocre at best. The Cleveland Indians were perennial cellar dwellers in the American League East Division. The Cleveland Cavaliers had one miracle year in 1976 since their start in 1970. The 1980 Cleveland Browns gave Cleveland sports fans something to cheer for. A boost in civic pride was felt in Northeast Ohio that season. And that time will never be forgotten for the great memories it brought. Memories of being on the edge of your seat in the game’s final seconds, memories of thrilling victories and agonizing defeats. And memories to pass on to future Browns fans about the Kardiac Kids of 1980.