Remembering the 12 Days of a Cleveland Browns Christmas 45 years Later 

The passage of time feels especially poignant during the holiday season. Looking back can seem easier — and more inviting — than facing the present. For some, it’s a wave of nostalgia; for others, a distraction from uncertainty about what comes next. And for many, it’s simply a longing to touch the pieces of life that once brought joy. It’s easy to rest in the comfort of memories with softly blurred edges.

That’s why, on the 45th anniversary of the song 12 Days of a Cleveland Browns Christmas, reflection comes so naturally. The song was written by Mack Hayes; a Texas musician whose parody became a piece of Cleveland holiday folklore. For those of us old enough to remember hearing the record, it is a musical time capsule; permanently etched in Cleveland Browns history.

The 12 Days of a Cleveland Browns’ Christmas

Written by Mack Hayes

“On the first day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me a Rutigliano Super Bowl team.”

Sam Rutigliano, the Browns’ Head Coach from 1978-1984, transformed a talented but unruly collection of players into a legitimate championship contender. His top achievement was in 1980 when Cleveland went 11–5 and won the AFC Central Division.

Today, 94-year-old Sam Rutigliano lives in the Cleveland area. He is a football analyst for WEWS Cleveland and serves as the Chairman of his nonprofit, Coach Sam’s Scholars.

“On the second day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Don Cockroft kickin’…”

Don Cockroft was the punter/ place kicker for the Cleveland Browns from 1968 to 1980. Cockroft resides in Colorado. The 80-year-old relocated from Canton, Ohio, to be near his family after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

12 Days Of A Cleveland Brown Christmas

“On the third day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Brian Sipe a-passin’ …”

From 1974 to 1983, Brian Sipe was the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Sipe is a former NFL MVP who led the 1980 team to the AFC Central Division title. Sipe, now 76, is enjoying his retirement in San Diego, California.

“On the fourth day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Alzado attackin’ …”

Lyle Alzado was a fierce defensive end for the Cleveland Browns from 1979 to 1981. Sadly, Alzado passed away in 1992, at the age of 43, from brain cancer.

“On the fifth day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me — both the Pruitts’ moves …”

Greg and Mike Pruitt were an electric one-two running back punch for the 1980 Cleveland Browns. Greg Pruitt lives near Cleveland, Ohio, where he oversees his construction business, Pruitt and Associates. Mike Pruitt also resides in Northeast Ohio, where he formerly owned several car dealerships.

“On the sixth day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Newsome a-catchin’ …”

Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome was a tight end for the Cleveland Browns from 1978 to 1990. He later transitioned to a front office position and remained loyal to Art Modell after the team moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. Newsome remains with the Ravens organization as the Executive Vice President/Player Personnel.

“On the seventh day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Darden interceptin’ …”

Thom Darden was a safety for the Cleveland Browns from 1972 to 1981. He remains the team’s all‑time leader in interceptions with 45 picks. The 75-year-old Darden was involved in business consulting and security services after retiring from the NFL.

“On the eighth day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me the Kardiac Kids a-winnin’ …”

The 1979-1980 Browns earned the name the Kardiac Kids after eight comebacks and eleven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime.

“On the ninth day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me DeLeone a-hikin’ …”

From 1974 to 1984, two-time Pro Bowler Tom DeLeone played center for the Cleveland Browns, serving as an emotional anchor for the team. After leaving football, DeLeone worked for the US Department of the Treasury as a criminal investigator. He passed away in 2016 from brain cancer, leaving his brain to be studied to advance research.

“On the 10th day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Doug Dieken blockin’…”

Offensive tackle Doug Dieken spent 14 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His efforts with the 1980 team earned him Pro Bowl honors. He had a successful broadcasting career as a Browns commentator for 34 seasons. Dieken, now 76, lives on the shore of Lake Erie and enjoys his retirement.

“On the 11th day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me Dave Logan leapin’ …”

From 1976 to 1983, Dave Logan was a reliable target for Browns’ quarterbacks. After retiring from football, Logan became one of the most successful high school football coaches in Colorado.

“On the 12th day of Christmas, Art Modell gave to me — the Browns in the playoffs …”

The 1980 Kardiac Kids went on to host the venerable Oakland Raiders in the AFC Divisional Playoffs in a frozen Cleveland Stadium on January 4, 1981. Despite having the NFL MVP and Coach of the Year, the Browns lost the game on a last-second interception by the Raiders.

Even after 45 years, the song still has the power to bring a nostalgic smile. (However, the smile is punctuated by nausea each time Art Model’s name is mentioned.) If it has been a while, or if you’ve never heard this classic piece of Cleveland Christmas history, you can check it out here.