Earnest Byner's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the tenth round of the 1984 NFL Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, Byner quickly demonstrated his abilities on the field. He played as a running back, a position that allowed him to showcase his skills in both rushing and receiving.
Byner's early years with the Browns were marked by his ability to perform under pressure. In the 1985 season, he shared the backfield with Kevin Mack, and together they became the third pair of teammates in NFL history to each rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. This achievement highlighted Byner's capability as a reliable and productive player.
One of the most memorable moments of Byner's career came during the 1987 AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. In a game that would later be remembered for "The Fumble," Byner was on the verge of scoring a game-tying touchdown when he lost the ball near the goal line. The play was a heartbreaking moment for Byner and the Browns, as it dashed their hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. Despite this setback, Byner's performance throughout the game was commendable, as he rushed for 67 yards and caught seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
In 1989, Byner was traded to the Washington Redskins, where he continued to excel. His tenure with the Redskins was marked by a Super Bowl victory in the 1991 season. Byner played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing both as a rusher and a receiver. In Super Bowl XXVI, he rushed for 49 yards and caught three passes for 24 yards, helping the Redskins secure a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Byner's time with the Redskins solidified his reputation as a dependable and hardworking player. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1990 and 1991, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the team. His ability to adapt and perform in various situations made him a valuable asset to the Redskins' offense.
After his stint with the Redskins, Byner returned to the Cleveland Browns in 1994. He continued to play with the same determination and skill that had characterized his earlier years. Byner's second tenure with the Browns lasted until 1995, after which he joined the Baltimore Ravens for the final two seasons of his career. With the Ravens, Byner provided veteran leadership and experience to a young team.
Byner retired from professional football after the 1997 season, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and achievement. Over his career, he accumulated 8,261 rushing yards, 56 rushing touchdowns, 512 receptions, and 5,661 receiving yards. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air made him a valuable player throughout his 14-year career.
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