Peyton Hillis' Top 10 Moments from 2010-2011(Video)

Peyton Hillis never found a niche in the depleted running back corps of the Denver Broncos.  He has found that niche—and then some—with the Cleveland Browns.  With the force of a mac truck and the agility of a cat, Hillis wow'ed the masses in 2010-11 with bone crushing hit after hit.  

For one reason or another, new coach Josh McDaniels didn't see the value in the youngster from Arkansas.  Even after an incredible 2008 season, in which Hillis racked up five touchdowns and a 5.0 yard per carry average, his playing time severely diminished in 2009.

One of the first moves made by new Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert became one of the best.  On March 15, 2009, Heckert dealt troubled local hero, quarterback Brady Quinn, in exchange for Peyton Hillis, a sixth round draft pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

The "Albino Rhino," as Hillis has come to be known, is a great example of the type of team Tom Heckert is building.  Assembling somewhat of a cult-like following, Hillis burst onto the scene during the Madden NFL 2012 cover athlete voting contest.  Fans from Cleveland, Arkansas and nationwide voted religiously during the competition resulting in the unthinkable: a Cleveland Brown gracing the cover of one of the most popular video games in America!

Despite his success running the football and lighting up highlight reels, Hillis is still labeled as fullback by many sports outlets.

As you will see in the following slides, Hillis is not only a fullback; he is the man is running amok on NFL defenses.  The light at the end of the tunnel is white and bright for Cleveland fans—which is not in any way a reference to Hillis' skin complexion.

Honorable Mention No. 1: Stiff Arms EA Sports Creative Director

The buzz around Peyton Hillis following the 2010-11 season led to him being voted on as the 2012 Madden NFL cover athlete!

Shown in the clip is the photograph session in which Hillis demonstrates his stiff arm to the EA Sports Creative Director, who almost falls over from the slight nudge the Albino Rhino delivers.

Note: Stiff arm takes place at 0:22.

10. Now You See Him, Now You Don't

Peyton Hillis loves the game of football.  In the clip above, he shows his willingness to leap and do whatever it takes to get past a defender.  Whether its running through, over or around the defense, this guy has what it takes to be a force in the NFL: HEART.

9. Gimme That Pylon; It's My Pylon!

It's a shame that this entire game can't be lumped into one ranking.  Peyton Hillis completely dominated the Carolina Panther defense (who didn't in 2010-11?) with three rushing touchdowns in the first half!  The touchdown depicted in the video shows Hillis' incredible burst ability, toughness with the last second stiff arm and ball carrier vision as he navigates to the pylon.

8. Leaping over Defenders Never Gets Old

Peyton Hillis running through and leaping over defenders just never seems to get old.  This incredible jump is NOT the best play by Hillis against the Patriots on this day.

7. This Man Does Not WANT to Go Down

Yes, this is a preseason game, and yes, it is against the St. Louis Rams.  

And yes, it took nearly the entire St. Louis Rams defense to bring Peyton Hillis to the ground!

They still didn't succeed!

6. Sealing the Deal vs. the Pats

Much like the Carolina Panther game performance, Peyton Hillis completely torched the New England Patriot defense for 184 yards and two touchdowns.  

In this clip, Hillis kills all hope for a Patriots comeback as he breaks a run outside and outruns the entire Patriots defense to the pylon, swatting away a defender's feeble attempt at stopping him for his second touchdown of the game.

Stay tuned in this countdown; this is not the lone highlight from his incredible performance in Cleveland.

5. Third String QB Option for 2011-12

With the release of Jake Delhomme, the Browns have been rumored to be in the market for a third string quarterback to replace him.  While ex-West Virginia standout quarterback Jarrett Brown is on the roster for now, if anything were to happen, it would make sense to give the Albino Rhino some reps and see what happens from there!

4. Its a Bird, Its a Plane, Its an Albino Rhino!

This play, more than any other, began to inscribe the Peyton Hillis myth onto the hearts and minds of Cleveland Browns fans.  Not only does he leap over the Falcons defensive back, he completely clears him, baffles him and then TAKES the first down.

Well played, sir!

3. Who Needs Wide Receivers?

Not only is Peyton Hillis a complete wrecking ball of a man, but he's quick and has sure hands!  With the wide receiver position being a big concern of many Browns fans, I ask why?  This guy can do it all and then some! 

Take a look as Hillis snags victory from the jaws of defeat. 

2. Three Patriots, One Hillis, No Problem!

The New England Patriots were running their goal line defensive scheme.

Peyton Hillis decided to activate BEAST MODE and run right through any and everyone that got in his way.  Three different Patriot defenders met Hillis at the goal line and were subsequently shed to the side as Hillis again makes opposing defenses look silly.

What could possibly beat that, you ask?

1. Charles Godfrey, Meet Peyton Hillis

Peyton Hillis records his third touchdown of the first half against the Carolina Panthers; quite emphatically, I might add.

It's been a long time since I've seen someone get completely dominated like seen in this clip!  Not only did Hillis run Godfrey over; he wasn't even phased by the contact.  He swats him off like a fly and then casually strolls into the end-zone.  

Amazing!