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First lets start with the NFL vs. the NFLPA. As I told you last week, the players voted not to have any pre season games. The owners are holding firm, for now, on two pre season games. For teams with new coaching staffs, any pre season games would be very valuable, but the players health and safety take center stage. In that vein, the league still hasn’t addressed certain Covid-19 questions. If a player tests positive for Covid, will they go on injured reserve and not get paid or will there be a special designation? How will testing be done and what kind of turn around time will there be for the results of the tests? In other news, the NFL has given the players until August 1 to opt out of playing in 2020 for health concerns. If players opt out, will they get paid? Theses questions need to be answered prior to Monday July 20, when players for the Chiefs and Texans report to camp. The Browns report Tuesday July 28.

On to some good news. The last two draft picks signed, LB Jacob Phillips and S Grant Delpit. All Browns draft picks are signed and the Browns are the first NFL team to have all their picks under contract. It’s hard to judge how good this draft class is without OTA’s and rookie training camp, but based on their college careers, I think all can be contributors in 2020. First round pick LT Jedrick Wills and second round pick S Grant Delpit are the obvious starters, but I could see third round picks LB Jacob Phillips and DT Jordan Elliot in the playing rotation on defense. Fourth round pick TE Harrison Bryant, if he can add about 10 lbs., could be TE #2 if the Browns trade Njoku and sixth round pick WR Donovan People-Jones will be in the mix at wide receiver and kick returner. Fifth round pick C Nick Harris will be in the mix for the backup center and both guard spots. I just wish Browns fans had OTA’S and rookie training camp to make these judgments.

Last but not least, the BIG news. The Browns worked out an extension with 2017 number one pick DE Myles Garrett. It has been reported to be a five year, $125 million dollar contract with $100 million in guarantees and $50 million due on signing. Those numbers sound familiar to me. Hmmm…. where have I heard those numbers before? Oh, that’s right, in my article for http://www.clesportstalk.com entitled “Pay The Man”. That’s the contract I thought the Browns would offer Garrett. Is that a horn I hear? It sounds like it’s going Toot, Toot. However, I thought the Browns would have either a voidable fifth year or a team option to protect themselves. Nope, what the Browns front office did was even more team friendly. Garrett will play 2020 under his rookie fourth year at $4.6 million and 2021 under his fifth year option of $15.1 million. The contract extension will then go into effect in 2022 and run through 2026. I really love this front office. Of course in Pittsburgh, they want Garrett suspended till hell freezes over. Sorry Big Ben, Myles Garrett is coming for you. Maybe you should have retired, just saying.

So, with all the draft picks signed and with Vernon’s contract restructure, the Browns salary cap space according to http://www.overthecap.com, stands at $38.7 million. Save it for next year Browns, the way things are going this year, the team is going to need it. I can’t imagine the 2021 salary cap going up and it might, for the first time, decrease. Save it and roll it over into 2021. As always, please everyone stay safe, commit to good hand hygiene and please, I’m begging you WEAR A MASK. Go Browns.

Let’s start with the players union. Last Friday, the NFLPA voted to play no pre season games. I seriously doubt the NFL owners will go along with this prospect, but you never know. The union is also stressing the league pay more attention to health officials in order to protect players. The league then issued a statement that any player can opt out of playing the 2020 season. If a player feels it’s safer for himself and his family not to play in 2020, then they can sit out the season. This bares watching.

The big news last Friday was TE David Njoku asking for a trade before training camp. Go to http://wwwCLEsportsTalk.com for my opinion on this. The article covers some potential trade situations. Personally, I don’t think the Browns should trade Njoku, but I hate distractions. Just click on the Browns link to read the article. This week it was also announced that the Browns and DE Olivier Vernon had worked out a contract restructure. Vernon’s contract for 2020 is now $11 million guaranteed. This gives Vernon security for 2020 and the Browns an additional $4.5 million in cap space. It also means the pursuit of DE Jadeveon Clowney is over. Finally. Like I’ve said in previous blogs, I’d rather have Vernon on the the last year of his contract, than Clowney on the first year of his contract. This give the Browns about $41.8 million in cap space.

Also in the last seven days the Browns signed two more draft picks. Third round pick DE Jordan Elliot and first round pick LT Jedrick Wills. Elliot signed a four year contract worth $4.6 million and Wills signed a four year contact, with a fifth year option worth $19.7 million. This leaves only second round pick S Grant Delpit and the second third round pick LB Jacob Phillips unsigned.

Finally, the Browns first opponent Baltimore, announced they would only allow 14000 fans in the stands for game one against the Browns. This years sports landscape is getting stranger and stranger by the day. From the news that the Ivy League is shutting down it’s fall sports, to the possibility that the state of Texas won’t play high school football, to The Ohio State announcing they will only play conference games this year. It appears that fall sports are in serious trouble. So if you love fall sports, wear a mask in public, social distance and wash your hands. Everyone please stay safe and Go Browns.

The Browns news started this week on Monday with the signing of QB Cam Newton by New England. Bill Belichick’s dog Nike may not like drafting QB’s, but he likes signing them. What makes this Browns news? Adam Schefter reported only two teams talked to Newton, The Patriots and the Browns. Immediately Browns twitter went in hyper drive that the Browns had no faith in QB Baker Mayfield. No, Browns GM Andrew Berry was doing due diligence. He’s said many times, he’ll always be looking to acquire talent and upgrade the roster. Sounds like a good NFL GM doing his job. The humorous side story to this news was that Newton and OBJ have been working out this off season so the Beckham to the Patriots crap soon followed. Beckham quickly shot down these rumors by saying he was happy in Cleveland, but why would you believe him right? As I’ve said before, OBJ is all in on the Browns.

Next, Browns center J.C. Tretter, who is the president of the players union, posted a statement on the NFLPA website concerning players reporting to camp on July 28. “Professional athletes in every sport have to regularly fend off criticism that our profession should be considered less of a job and that we shouldn’t fight for protections and benefits,‘’ he wrote. “As we begin our fight for necessary COVID-19 protections, these recycled misconceptions will be used to undermine the strength of our union and the legitimacy of your career.‘’ “We’re not invincible, and as recent reports have shown, we certainly aren’t immune to this virus,‘’ Tretter wrote. “Underlying conditions like high BMI [body mass index], asthma, and sleep apnea are all associated with a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications when infected with COVID-19. Those conditions are widespread across the league. NFL players are humans — some with immuno-compromised family members or live-in elderly parents. Trust me: we want to play football. But as a union, our most important job is to keep our players safe and alive. The NFLPA will fight for our most at-risk players and their families.‘’ While the NFL moves forward, the players are preceding with caution, as they should.

The NFL has hit a few speed bumps in their schedule this week. First they cancelled the Hall Of Fame Game and the Induction ceremony in Canton. Then they announced the cancellation of the supplemental draft and finally they trimmed the pre season games from four to two. So now teams will play games two and three of the pre season. This means the Browns will play at Green Bay on Aug. 22 and host the Vikings on Aug. 30. This allows teams to have a 25 day acclimation period for players. By these moves the NFL is acknowledging the seriousness of the pandemic.

Finally, the week ended with noted Mayfield hater Colin Cowherd’s top ten list of AFC quarterbacks. Surprisingly Baker Mayfield made the top ten at number seven. This set off a day long analysis of Mayfield on ESPN and NFL Network on Thursday. Freaking Drew Lock of Denver was at number ten. Lock played in 5 games for the Broncos attempting 156 passes, completing 100 and all the networks can talk about is how to fix Baker Mayfield. Really?

As I write this, Adam Schefter is reporting that Browns TE David Njoku is asking for trade. I guess he thought the Browns signing of TE Austin Hopper and the drafting of TE Harrison Bryant would take away his targets. If he could catch the ball that might really be a concern. I’ll be writing an article about this on http://www.CLEsportsTalk.com this weekend. Browns drama in July, well 2020 is starting feel normal, until the aliens invade or the asteroid hits.

So as we hopefully inch closer to watching pro football, everyone stay safe, please for god’s sake wear a mask and Go Browns.

This week started with a zoom meeting with RB Kareem Hunt and the Cleveland media. The media started with half dozen questions about Hunt’s off season incident in Rocky River Ohio. Hunt expressed his remorse for the incident and again thanked the Cleveland Browns for giving him a chance to play for his home town team. Interestingly he said he would love to sign a long term deal with the Browns. Currently Hunt is under a 2nd round restricted free agent tender for about 3.5 million, which he signed on April 20. Keeping both Hunt and Nick Chubb in 2021 would be any Browns fans dream, but can it be achieved? I’m currently writing an article about that subject for http://www.clesportstalk.com and it should be on the website next week.

The week ended with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski talking to the media. First let me say, I love this guy. When asked about the current situation of coaching players virtually and all the uncertainty of this off season, Stefanski said, “I’m comfortable being uncomfortable.” Stefanski also said, “All off season long, we’ve had a plan, and we’re ready to pivot.” I can’t wait to see this guy coach. There was also news on when the facility in Berea will be opening. On July 24, injured players and quarterbacks can report and all players can report on July 28. The July 24 date is important because if the Browns are thinking about signing another free agent, those players can come in on July 24 for a physical. Finally, the last news items to come from this press conference were some good news and some possible bad news. Coach Stefanski announced Odell Beckham Jr is 100% and ready to go for training camp. The possible bad news is Jarvis Landry is not quite ready yet. Hopefully by July 28, Landry will be ready to go.

The new flavor of the week for Browns twitter is trading for Jags DE Yannik Ngakoue. My question is, why trade a first round pick or more for a one year rental? I wish Browns twitter would please stop. The Browns right now are happy with DE Olivier Vernon. Yes that could change, but he is a good player and I say he stays with the Browns. Remember in the week four win over the Ravens, Vernon got the first sack of Lamar Jackson on Baltimore’s first possession.

Episode five of “Building The Browns” on Youtube aired last Sunday. If you haven’t seen it, please watch it. If you’re a Browns fan it will make you very proud of this organization. This series is always a must see. As always everyone stay safe and if want to watch football in the fall,wear a damn mask.

Go Browns.

First came the news earlier in the week that the Browns offered Jadeveon Clowney a one year deal worth 15 million. Please stop. STOP. If Clowney wanted to play in Cleveland, he would’ve signed the multi year deal that the Browns offered in the early days of free agency. He’s been offered the most money by the Browns with every contract offer. Not going to happen. Next on our list of craziness for the week, should the Browns sign QB Cam Newton? Are you freaking kidding me? Look, I know that ESPN, NFL Network and sports talk radio is running out of content, but Cam Newton? The Browns already have a franchise QB and built an offense best suited for Baker Mayfield.

Finally, Jets Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams has again requested a trade. Of course Browns twitter wants the Browns to trade several first round draft picks for Adams. Safety is not a concern for the Browns. They already have J.T Hassell and Sheldon Redwine from last year and signed Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph in free agency. The gem of the safety room is second round draft pick Grant Delpit. He’s a first round talent and will be a force in this defense. Remember, DC Joe Woods last coached the secondary for the San Fransico 49ers. Besides, Adams doesn’t seem like the type of player the Browns want. He’s going to cost too much both in draft capital and salary.

Remember the 2020 salary cap of 198.2 million is based on the revenue to be made in 2020. With the pandemic, this years NFL revenues will be down and the 2021 cap may stay the same or go up very little. The Browns are currently trying to lock up Myles Garrett to a large contract extension and still have the fifth year options for both Mayfield and Ward. Plus the team has to deal with weather to sign Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to future contracts.

The good news of the week came out of the news conference with WR coach Chad O’Shea. O’Shea confirmed that Beckham and Landry are on schedule with their rehabs. He also said the both are more interested in wining than personal statistics. That’s the kind of news I like to hear. O’Shea also said the RB Kareem Hunt might be used as a third wide receiver. What? I love this idea. Imagine a formation with Mayfield under center, Chubb in the backfield, Hooper as the TE, Landry in the slot and OBJ and Hunt lined up wide. Go ahead NFL defense coordinators try and stop it. I can’t wait to see all the different formations this wide zone offense will produce.

As for the other pro leagues, the MLS and NHL are still on schedule and MLB is arguing over 60 or 76 games. In the NBA, the players are starting to question the league’s plans. Kyrie Irving even proposed the players starting their own league. The most shocking thing I learned about the NBA was that Irving is the VP of the players association. Who in gods name voted him VP of the players association? He’s a member of the flat earth society.

The bad news is more and more college and pro players and coaches are testing positive for Covid-19. Besides the NFLPA calling for only two pre season games, some NFL owners are pushing for a delay to the start of the season. Because this country didn’t take this pandemic seriously and a lot of states opened way too early, the possibility of no sports this summer and fall is realistic. I hope I’m wrong, because I think we could all use the distraction. All I can say is if you have to go out, social distance and wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and please wash your hands. Stay safe and Go Browns.

As the NFL slowly comes back to life with more individuals allowed in team facilities, the NFL announced virtual meetings will come to an end on June 26. That’s a signal that players not rehabbing at the facilities will be heading back to the building, providing the NFLPA also agrees. The NFL also instructed teams that coaches after that date can meet with 30 players at a time. It’s a start. What excites me about this announcement is free agent visits and possible physicals can now be scheduled. The only player I want the Browns to bring in on a visit is LB Nigel Bradham. I understand the Browns don’t put a lot of value on the linebacker position, but the LB room needs an experienced player. On defense the Browns can move second round draft pick Grant Delpit into the LB position on third down due to his coverage and tackle skills, but the team needs one more experienced linebacker.

There were rumors that the Browns were going to bring in DE Everson Griffen for a visit. I can not verify this rumor, so it’s still only a rumor. Although Griffen would be a nice addition, I still think the Browns are happy with DE Olivier Vernon and will let him play out his contract. Besides the linebacker position, I really don’t see a weakness in any other position group, baring injury. As a Browns fan, you always have to add baring injury.

Like I said earlier, the only thing holding up the NFL’s schedule is the players union and I agree with the players. The players are the one’s taking the greatest risk with the reopening of facilities and training camps. The NFLPA has proposed eliminating two preseason games. I think we can all agree two preseason games a year is plenty as long as teams with new coaching staffs get to open their training camps earlier. We’ll all have to wait to see how all this plays out.

As for the other pro sports, the NHL, NBA and MLS are moving forward and MLB is still fighting over money. After shooting themselves in the foot not once, not twice, but three times, MLB is aiming at the other foot. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated this week that baseball will be played this year. If no agreement is made, MLB will revert to the March agreement they have with players union playing 50 games. Are you kidding me? 50 games? The world champion Nationals started last year 19-31, so 50 games is not an option. I hope MLS is ready to take it’s place in the big four of pro sports, because baseball is about to have one big funeral.

That’s it for this week. Keep an eye out for my articles on http://www.Clesportstalk.com. My latest is a look at our new rookie head coach Kevin Stefanski. Also you can follow them on twitter @CLEsportsTalk. They post great highlights from Cleveland’s past on twitter. Everyone please stay safe and GO Browns.

Yesterday the NFL announced that coaching staffs can return to their facilities today. It was further noted that teams could have up to 100 people in the facilities at one time. This is subject to local and state regulations. Right now the NFL’s focus is for players and coaches getting together for the start of training camps in July. Currently the only players allowed in the facilities are players rehabbing from injuries. This is both good news and bad news for the Browns. The bad news is no OTA’s or mini camps. However the good news there is going to be a training camp for Kevin Stefanski to install his offense. Hopefully the virtual meetings have been making an impact.

Speaking of virtual meetings, OC Alex Van Pelt told the media this week that WR Odell Beckham, Jr. has been staying as close to the team as possible during the meetings. Van Pelt says Beckham has been a “model player.” Word is both he and Jarvis Landry are ahead of schedule on their rehabs. Browns fans have to admit that the lack of participation in OTA’s and mini camps by Beckham was one of the major factors in the teams downfall last year. Besides Beckham, the poor tackle play, Kitchen’s piss poor play calling and Mayfield’s lack of dedication were the other factors. Glad to see Beckham stepping up.

Van Pelt noted that QB Baker Mayfield has been improving his footwork to handle the west coast offense. I have the feeling the Browns are going to lead the league in play action pass in the wide zone/west coast offensive. Mayfield has excelled in play action in his two years in the league. He also said Mayfield is dropping in on other position group meetings like RB and WR. Hey, look our QB is a team leader. Have you noticed while national media types are tearing down Mayfield, he hasn’t said a word? In his meeting with the media a couple of weeks ago, Mayfield said, “It’s time to shut up and work.” That’s my quarterback.

Hopefully the last Browns/Clowney news. It was reported this week that the Browns offered Clowney 12 million a year in a multi year deal. Of course he turned it down. Like I said last week, they don’t need anymore big signings. The Browns need to sign their remaining draft picks and use any cap left over to address next year. The salary cap is based on future revenue, so the 198.2 million cap for 2020 was based on the revenue the league would generate this year. Obviously because of the pandemic, the league revenues will be down in 2020. So the expected large increase in the cap for 2021 probably won’t happen. Again as I said last week, with carry forward cap space and expiring contracts, the Browns could have up to 100 million in additional cap space. Besides, as my wife, Karen, says if Clowney doesn’t want to be in Cleveland, then screw him.

In other pro sports, It appears the NBA, the NHL and MLS are set to make their returns. Where’s MLB you ask? They’re still arguing over money. It appears there will be no Major League Baseball this year and with the MLB CBA expiring after the 2021 season, a looming lockout is on the horizon for 2021. I’ve never seen a bigger self inflicted wound in pro sports since boxing. There was a time in this country when boxing and baseball were the two biggest sports. Of course all it takes is one positive test and it will all be shut down again. Looks like the cautious approach by the NFL is the smart approach.

Finally, I saw on twitter videos of how the Browns are cleaning their facilities, so it looks like another episode of “Building The Browns” is being filmed. Keep an eye out for it and watch. It’s a great change of pace from watching past Browns games. Also my second article for http://www.clesportstalk.com , (@CLEsportsTalk) just hit the website. It’s about the origins of Browns Backers Worldwide and my personal experiences with the Middle Tennessee Browns Backers. Give a read and give them a follow. It’s a great website for Cleveland sports and much more. I hope everyone is staying safe and Go Browns.

These tidbits are killing me, but we have to keep up with Browns news. First the Browns facilities will open this Monday June 1st. Phase one will include a limited amount of employees. The NFL announced this week, it will be another two weeks before coaches and players can go to team facilities. Of course we haven’t yet heard from players union president, Browns C J.C. Tretter if the players agree to what Roger Goodell said, so grab your popcorn and we’ll wait and see. As a pro football fan, I’m glad to see the NFL taking the necessary precautions to make sure everyone is safe and the season starts on time. God, we need some football this fall.

In other news, the Browns didn’t do the annual purge of the scouting department. Instead of firing everyone, they actually kept people and even promoted some. What in gods name is going on here? You mean to tell me the Browns are trying to have a stable front office? Okay, the weirdness of 2020, just got weirder. Here’s the breakdown:

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah — VP Football Operations

Ryan Grigson — Senior Football Advisor

Charles Walls — National Scout

Josh Cox — Northwest Area Scout

Nate Sterken – Lead Data Scientist

Andrew Jackson – Data Architect / Systems Developer

Kevin Lewis – Software Developer

The following 20 have taken on new roles after their respective promotions and title changes.

Glenn Cook — VP of Player Personnel

Ken Kovash — VP of Player Personnel Process & Development

Andrew Healy — VP of Research & Strategy

Dan Saganey — Director of Player Personnel

Dave Giuliani – Director Research & Strategy

Mike Cetta — Director of Scouting Research

Adam Al-Khayyal — Assistant Director of Pro Personnel

Tyler Hamblin — Football Operations Coordinator

Zach Wigmore — Scouting Research Coordinator

Megan Rock — Player Personnel Coordinator

Shaun Herock — National Scout

Colton Chapple — Southeast Area Scout

Dan Zegers — Midwest Area Scout

Jimmy Noel — Northeast Area Scout

Branden Francis — Pro Scout

Rod Streater – Scouting Assistant

Joe Dever – Scouting Assistant

Debra Kruszynski – Executive Assistant Player Personnel/Coaching

Bradley DeAngelis – Director Football Information Systems

Zach Zelinsky – Senior Software Developer

You have to love Zach Zelinsky as the Senior Software Developer. Let’s break it down, the guy is a stud. Just kidding, I have no idea who the hell this guy is, but I like him because he works for the Browns. What’s great about all this, is continuity. Great teams keep great people. For once the Browns are sticking with the people who helped them have a great off season.

I have to comment on the Clowney situation. Yes the Browns have offered him the most money and a multi year deal. And yes he’s mulling it over. And also yes the Browns are interested in signing Clowney. But here’s the deal, he’s a luxury. Right now, the Browns have somewhere between 40 to 35 million in salary cap space. The Browns still have to sign four more draft picks, including first round pick Jedrick Wills and second round pick Grant Delpit. If, the team doesn’t have to spent a ton of money for players who get injured during the season, that 40 to 35 million will turn into 70 to 80 million in cap space to carryforward into 2021. Add expiring contracts and the Browns will have about 100 to 110 million in cap space next year above the salary cap. Do you still want a luxury?

On a personal note, as I told you previously, I just started writing articles for a great new website for Cleveland fans, https://clesportstalk.com. The people who run this website are true fans. If you’re not reading this website, what the hell’s wrong with you? Friday night I had the opportunity to take part in a roundtable discussion about the Cavs and the Browns for a YouTube show with fellow writers on the site. The show is put together by Joshua Ungar and is called “Ungar To The Max.” It will premiere today, May 31 at 3:00 eastern. Tune in and watch. Also, be watching for a chat I did with John Cahill, Dawg Pound Ireland, @JohnCahill_Irl. John is a great guy and worth a follow. I don’t know what the rest of you are doing with your time but, man I’ve been busy. You know what to do everyone, most importantly stay safe. Go Browns.

Yes there was some Browns news over the last two weeks, hard to believe, right? The Browns are signing draft picks. A mighty cheer was heard throughout the land. Fourth round pick TE Harrison Bryant, fifth round pick C Nick Harris and sixth round pick Donovan Peoples-Jones all signed their contracts and are now officially Cleveland Browns. I personally think that Bryant and Peoples-Jones will have a bigger impacts their rookie year. Harris might be in play for the RG position, but after hearing an interview with OL coach Bill Callahan on Cleveland Browns Daily on 850am last Friday, I’m not to sure.(https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/audio/cleveland-browns-daily-5-15-2020) It sounds like an open competition between Drew Forbes, Wyatt Teller, Malcolm Pridgeon and Harris. Callahan offered up Pridgeon’s name unsolicited. He’s an undrafted free agent out of The Ohio State originally signed by the Texans in 2018 and signed by the Browns on September 18, 2019.

The NFL allowed training facilities to be open last week and a few opened on a limited basis. The Browns chose not to open right away and to continuing their virtual meetings. If you still have not watched episode 4 of “Building The Browns” on YouTube please do. The virtual meetings are fantastic. Run through a wall fantastic. Just what a Browns fan needs right now. Did you hear how great Tom Brady is for holding a private workout in Tampa last week with his new players? Everyone is saying how great he is and what a team leader he is. I wish the Browns had a quarterback like that. Wait….what? You mean Baker Mayfield did the same thing two weeks ago in Texas? Really? Two weeks ago and no one in the national media mentioned it? What a shock. As you all know, I’m not going to drink the Kool-Aid this year like I did last year, but you got to love the vibe this team has right now. From the GM all the way down to the rookies. It also helps that we haven’t heard from Jimmy Haslam in a while. Good times.

More Clowney rumors. Charles Robinson @CharlesRobinson explained to Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow what he thought Clowney might be thinking when it comes to a new contract. Basically Robinson felt Clowney might not want a one year, prove it deal and if he wanted to sign a multi year contract in the high teens, the Browns would be the best landing spot. Personally I wouldn’t mind the signing, as long as the Browns kept Olivier Vernon. That would be one hell of a defensive line. Do a three year deal with Clowney and back load it like the Browns did with Conklin and Hooper. Vernon comes off the books next year and you still have Clowney. Again, I still think Clowney is going back to Seattle, but I can always dream.

Unfortunately I have to end on a sad note. In previous blogs I’ve mentioned Lane Adkins @TheRealLA_ the OG of Browns insiders on one of my favorite websites The Orange and Brown Report @TheOBR. Sadly, Lanes wife passed away last Friday after a valent two and a half year fight with heart disease and cancer. I first met Lane in 2002 in New Orleans prior to the Browns/Saints game and I know he does not remember me, but I really enjoyed our conversation. He is the main reason I joined the Orange & Brown Report. I ask all Browns fans to keep Lane in your thoughts and your prayers. Also, a Go Fund ME account has been set up to help Lane, here’s the link, https://www.gofundme.com/f/christine-adkins-wife-of-lane-adkins?

Thank you and Go Browns.

This week the NFL made an attempt to improve minority hiring on their coaching staffs and front offices. The first reported proposals centered on awarding better draft positions for minority hires. If a team hired a minority for their vacant head coach or GM position, teams would improve their third round draft position by six to ten spots. NFL teams could also receive other draft compensation for hiring minorities for top level coaching positions such as coordinators or quarterback coach. Both these proposals where Hail Mary passes to solve simple problems. In my opinion, both were very embarrassing and puts the spotlight on a bunch of white billionaires trying to correct minority issues.

The NFL finally came up with some reasonable solutions. Requiring teams to interview more minorities for head coaching and coordinator positions and easing the anti-tampering rules for teams in the playoffs. Teams are now required to interview two minority candidates for head coaching positions and at least one candidate for the three top coordinators. The Rooney Rule was expanded to include interviewing minorities and/or women for team president and senior executives. Finally, a minority coaching fellowship program will be created to establish a larger pool of qualified candidates for coaching and front office positions. Over the last three years, 70% of head coaches have come from the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach positions. Increasing the minority candidates at these two positions is a great idea.

The Browns have always been at the forefront of minority diversity. They became the first team to sign black players in the league. When the All-American Football Conference was founded in 1946, Paul Brown signed two African American players, fullback Marion Motley and defensive lineman Bill Wills. At first, the new league resisted but after intense discussions relented and agreed to allow black players in the league. Motley was a force on offense and Wills a force on defense for the Browns leading the way to five championships. This took place one year before Jackie Robinson played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

In the 1920’s and 1930’s the NFL had black players and one black player/coach, Fritz Pollard. But the owners of the teams came to a gentleman’s agreement to keep black players out of the league because of public pressure. After Wills and Motley were signed by the Browns, the L.A. Rams followed suit and signed Woody Strode and Kenny Washington. Mike Brown, Paul Brown’s son, was once asked about his father signing black players,”When he coached at Massillon High School, he had many black players on his teams. When he coached at Ohio State, he had many black players on his team. When he coached in the service, the same thing was true. When he got to the Cleveland Browns, he looked around and he knew where he had better football players than he had with the Browns. Guys who formerly played for him.” Brown said his father wasn’t a civil rights crusader, ”He didn’t do it for any other reason than to make the team better. It wasn’t to sell tickets in the sense of drawing people because we had a couple black guys on the team.”

When asked if his father was aware that in today’s world he would be considered a pioneer, Brown said, ”He was a person of his times and he had high standards and he believed people should be treated the same. He was going to make sure that these guys got treated the same.” Former Browns player Bobby Mitchell recalled an incident in Miami when the Browns were checking into their hotel. The manager informed Paul Brown the hotel could not accommodate the black players. ”Paul Brown looked him right in the eye and said, ‘No, our team stays together.’ They had words, and finally Paul told them: ‘I’ll tell you what then. We’ll just get back on the plane and go back home.’ The manager said, ‘You can’t do that.’ Brown said: ‘Is that so? Our players stay together.’ So they relented.”

I applaud the NFL’s attempt to improve minority hiring in the league. It seems a little late, due to the fact that over 70% of the league’s players are minorities. But better late than never. When in comes to minority diversity, the Browns have been at the forefront from the beginning and continue to this day with the hiring of Andrew Berry as their GM. It’s good to see the rest of the league is finally catching up to the Browns. They’ve always been ahead of the curve.

Go Browns.