CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The transition from college star to NFL player comes with plenty of new responsibilities.
For the Browns rookie class, one of those responsibilities was on display Tuesday as they spent time investing in the next generation.
And judging by the smiles, the experience meant just as much to the players as it did to the kids.
“I’m just playing with my dogs,” said Spencer Fano, who was selected no. 9 overall by the Browns. “We were out there playing kick ball. My team might’ve lost.”
“Were you on the winning team?”
“Yeah! We’re the winning team,” said one local participant.
While the Browns have a break until training camp, the rookies were still hard at work giving back to the community.
“It’s been so awesome,” said Fano. “All of these kids are so freaking fun to be around. I remember when I was a little kid anytime I got to be around an NFL player or anyone that played professional sports how cool it was, so to be here hanging out with all of these guys is so cool.”
The entire rookie class stopped by the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center to spend time with more than 100 local kids. The players joined in on games and activities, giving them a chance to connect, have fun and make some great memories together.
“Our kickball game out there got real competitive. I feel like you can tell just by the energy. We were battling out there.”
While the rookies enjoyed playing kickball, basketball and flag football with local youth, the day also served as a reminder of how special it is to now be the ones giving back.
Not long ago, they were the kids attending events like these. Now they’re creating those same memories for the next generation.
“I’m from Utah so it would always have to be a dude that came back home. I think it’s so cool for these kids to have a team in their state to be able to meet a lot of the players. It’s been so fun to be able to meet them and know how I felt when I was their age.”
KC Concepcion, who was selected no. 24 by the Browns, echoed the same sentiments.
“When I was younger I always looked up to people. I never actually got to meet them though. But just now being in that role, to have kids look up to me, is everything.”
Teaching, mentoring and giving back, the rookies did it all. But for KC Concepcion, there was one lesson the kids learned the hard way.
“That they can’t beat me in basketball,” he said with a laugh.
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