Through ups and downs, Browns fans have held close to their team, their hopes, their gear, their players, and their history. Dawgs by Nature (and Nurture), Cleveland fans have been through more than most sports followers. Losing their team, getting it back but in a neutered way, a wide variety of front office and coaching changes, a change in ownership, the worst trade in NFL history, a 0-16 season, and more.
The Browns history is full of a lot of success, a lot of favorite players (Webster Slaughter, Brian Brennan, Eric Metcalf, Gerald McNeil all jump to mind from my younger years), and a lot of favorite memories (Chubba Wubba Hubba, Run William Run, Metcalf Up the Middle, and many more), on top of all the bad.
A lot of players from Cleveland’s history also tend to stick around the area and have been involved in community events, Browns Backers activities, and more.
Today’s Question of the Day is looking to hear your story of a time you met a Browns player in person and had a positive interaction.
Mine is slightly different than the normal. I remember one of my first times getting to interview a player in person. Not only was I getting to live out a dream, but I was doing so in the middle of the Block O at the 50-yard line of The Horseshoe in Columbus. At the Orange & Browns Scimmage in 2015, I found myself standing next to big DT Danny Shelton, who could not have been any nicer. Later, off to the side of the field after he signed autographs, QB Johnny Manziel also spoke to us, going into his second and final season with the Browns (and the NFL).
Just an unreal experience for me. It ranks just above golfing with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ron Harper and checking Cleveland Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel into the hotel I managed at Cedar Point, Hotel Breakers, and ranks just below a variety of media experiences around the Cavs including interveiwing LeBron James, covering the 2016 watch party from The Gund Arena when they won the title, and a variety of interviews at Cavs Media Day the following season (Richard Jefferson enjoyed messing with me from the podium).
What is your favorite story of meeting a Browns player? Share with everyone below in the comment section