Norwalk raising funds for memorial to native, football legend Paul Brown

Norwalk’s effort to honor one of its famous natives is truly a whole-town project.

Dan Bowers, fundraising chair of the Paul Brown Birthplace Committee, said volunteers and businesses have “come out of the woodwork” to help generate funds for a memorial to Brown in Suhr Park on the town’s main street.

“He’s got quite a following here in Norwalk,” Bowers said. “People are really proud of what he brought to the sport.”

Brown was born Sept. 7, 1908, at home on West Elm Street.

At age 9, he and his family moved to Massillon where he played on his high school team.

After playing at Miami (Ohio) University, Brown turned to coaching and, by 1932, became the head coach of the Massillon Tigers.

Brown’s long list of achievements includes many of football’s most famous names.

In the 1940s, Cleveland’s professional team was named for him, Bowers said.

Years later, Brown had a falling out with Brown’s owner Art Modell and left Cleveland for Cincinnati.

“He literally went on vacation and Art Modell fired him,” said Bowers, who gives talks on Brown to area groups.

The fledgling American Football League put a new franchise in Cincinnati and Brown brought in old friends to create the Bengals.

Bowers said many people believe Brown chose a tiger and the team colors as a reminder of his days in Massillon.

A tribute to Brown in Norwalk is overdue, Bowers said.

“It’s a secret we kept, but we shouldn’t have,” he said.

Plans for the memorial include a life-sized bronze statue to be manufactured in Norwalk as well as an Ohio Historical Marker.

Pavers are available for purchase, and many small businesses in the community have stepped up to help with fundraising, Bowers said.

“It’s the citizens of Norwalk who walk in here and put Norwalk on the map and make it a destination,” said Mayor David Light, who wholeheartedly backs the effort to honor Brown. “We have some really talented people in Norwalk.”

Light and Bowers also are talking with Mike Brown, current owner of the Bengals.

They hope to have a fundraising presence at Paycor Stadium when the Bengals host the Browns on Dec. 18.

Bowers said the committee hopes to have the memorial completed by Labor Day 2023.

To purchase a paver or become a sponsor, contact City Hall at 419-663-6700.