As many of you know, after all these years of being a passionate and, at times, obsessive Cleveland Browns fan, I’m now in the market for a new NFL team. I’m in the market because Browns ownership and management decided to trade off its future and spend record money to bring in Deshaun Watson, who at the time was facing 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Longtime Browns fan like Joe... think the Browns made a huge mistake with Watson... but only time will tell. I'd recommend Buffalo as a new team to root for.
This is shaping up to be an interesting and important series. Good to know you've got that Eagles sweatshirt! Let us know if you want a recap of the Miracles of the Meadowlands, the Philly Special, and all the painful moments we've faced.
Mayfield may be interesting wrinkle to consider, but the Chiefs have to be the most to offer - family / personal connection, long suffering history with redemption, current/ future upside, fun to watch playbook, Hall of Fame coach and generational talents, future stadium drama to debate, and olfactory excellence from the tailgate to clinch the deal.
As a “long suffering Chiefs fan”to a “long suffering former Browns fan”, you would be surprised at how nice and positive experience it is to be able to just say you are a “Chiefs fan”.
Joe, Being a life long Cleveland sports fan (our family has had Browns season tickets since the early 70's), it's tough to watch what's going on. I've had similar thoughts to you, though I don't think I would pick a new team, I'd just walk away . Kind of fed up with the NFL in general. Keeping the tickets, is actually more of a business decision. Outside of the Hugh years, they can still go for a premium. Question for you, what if the Haslams sold to a new owner, one with a long history of supporting NE Ohio and no track record of "funny business". Would you consider coming back?
Panthers. Where lease can you reliably take your family to the game? Sometimes in life (I.E. once the kids come along), you have to become a homer. I’m not saying you give up rooting for your childhood team as a string 2nd, but it’s as simple as sunshine & rain.
You’re overthinking this Joe. It’s the Chiefs. It’s always been the Chiefs. You spent many years writing great prose for the Star, which is why many of of readers are here today. Plus they’ve got Andy and Patrick and a lot of other fresh, young and exciting players. It’s time to come home to KC.
Joe, I think the schedule makers are talking to you too. 2022 Week 1, Browns AT Panthers. You and Katie need to be there wearing Baker Mayfield Carolina Panthers jerseys.
Don’t you ever have a situation where let’s say an upcoming playoff matchup, and you really don’t know who you’re going to root for because you don’t care about either team? For me I just find myself rooting for one of those teams. And sometimes it’s as simple as rooting for the team that gets behind early to come back.
The wand chooses the wizard. Joe you will find yourself rooting for a team. Until then, just be a fan of greatness and interesting stories. And Nascar!! And being outdoors on beautiful fall weekends. You should take Katie hiking, rafting, biking, kayaking etc. And write about it for us. Your family stories never disappoint.
I grew up outside of Los Angeles, born in 1960. I was an avid Rams fan until they moved to St. Louis, at which point they were dead to me. Lived in Illinois for 15 years and never really took to the Bears, though I tried. I have now lived in North Carolina for 12 years and never caught Panthers fever, though I tried. I am now a much greater fan of college rather than pro football. I don't think it is really possible to "create" passion for a team, or transfer passion to a team, simply because you desire to.
You would think the Texans handling of Watson should be a point in their favour. They benched him immediately and probably would’ve suspended him if they thought it would’ve held up. There is also something kind of fitting in that the Browns would’ve traded all those picks, plus you fanhood, for Watson. They should probably be disqualified for their stupid name though.
I am not sure if the Mayfield trade actually helped anyone, with the exception of Mayfield's psyche.
The Panthers get a better QB than Darnold (who they are paying a guaranteed $19 million this year regardless) and maybe they win a couple more games, but they are not going to be relevant. They may have a bit worse draft position.
Mayfield has to play a "prove it" year in a new system, on a bad team, to try and get teams bidding on him next year, and he gave up a few million for the privelege.
As for the Browns, they have about a $25 million cap hit at QB to play Brissett on a 1 year deal. $60 million in real money, as they pay Watson's signing bonus this year. Goodell has said the NFL is trying to have Watson out for two seasons, instead of just this one. If they are successful in that, then Watson comes back in 2024, not having thrown a pass (at least in a game) in 3 full seasons. He will carry a $55 million cap hit, and be joining a team who hasn't had a first round draft pick in 3 years, they already have crap for receivers, and Chubb and Garrett will be 29, as will Watson. I think the Browns just in football terms, are headed for a pretty bad era.
Longtime Browns fan like Joe... think the Browns made a huge mistake with Watson... but only time will tell. I'd recommend Buffalo as a new team to root for.
This is shaping up to be an interesting and important series. Good to know you've got that Eagles sweatshirt! Let us know if you want a recap of the Miracles of the Meadowlands, the Philly Special, and all the painful moments we've faced.
Mayfield may be interesting wrinkle to consider, but the Chiefs have to be the most to offer - family / personal connection, long suffering history with redemption, current/ future upside, fun to watch playbook, Hall of Fame coach and generational talents, future stadium drama to debate, and olfactory excellence from the tailgate to clinch the deal.
As a “long suffering Chiefs fan”to a “long suffering former Browns fan”, you would be surprised at how nice and positive experience it is to be able to just say you are a “Chiefs fan”.
Joe, Being a life long Cleveland sports fan (our family has had Browns season tickets since the early 70's), it's tough to watch what's going on. I've had similar thoughts to you, though I don't think I would pick a new team, I'd just walk away . Kind of fed up with the NFL in general. Keeping the tickets, is actually more of a business decision. Outside of the Hugh years, they can still go for a premium. Question for you, what if the Haslams sold to a new owner, one with a long history of supporting NE Ohio and no track record of "funny business". Would you consider coming back?
Omg you do not want to be a Bengals fan and you certainly can’t do that to your daughter.
Panthers. Where lease can you reliably take your family to the game? Sometimes in life (I.E. once the kids come along), you have to become a homer. I’m not saying you give up rooting for your childhood team as a string 2nd, but it’s as simple as sunshine & rain.
Go with the Bills Joe!
You’re overthinking this Joe. It’s the Chiefs. It’s always been the Chiefs. You spent many years writing great prose for the Star, which is why many of of readers are here today. Plus they’ve got Andy and Patrick and a lot of other fresh, young and exciting players. It’s time to come home to KC.
Joe, I think the schedule makers are talking to you too. 2022 Week 1, Browns AT Panthers. You and Katie need to be there wearing Baker Mayfield Carolina Panthers jerseys.
Don’t you ever have a situation where let’s say an upcoming playoff matchup, and you really don’t know who you’re going to root for because you don’t care about either team? For me I just find myself rooting for one of those teams. And sometimes it’s as simple as rooting for the team that gets behind early to come back.
The wand chooses the wizard. Joe you will find yourself rooting for a team. Until then, just be a fan of greatness and interesting stories. And Nascar!! And being outdoors on beautiful fall weekends. You should take Katie hiking, rafting, biking, kayaking etc. And write about it for us. Your family stories never disappoint.
I grew up outside of Los Angeles, born in 1960. I was an avid Rams fan until they moved to St. Louis, at which point they were dead to me. Lived in Illinois for 15 years and never really took to the Bears, though I tried. I have now lived in North Carolina for 12 years and never caught Panthers fever, though I tried. I am now a much greater fan of college rather than pro football. I don't think it is really possible to "create" passion for a team, or transfer passion to a team, simply because you desire to.
Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.
You would think the Texans handling of Watson should be a point in their favour. They benched him immediately and probably would’ve suspended him if they thought it would’ve held up. There is also something kind of fitting in that the Browns would’ve traded all those picks, plus you fanhood, for Watson. They should probably be disqualified for their stupid name though.
I am not sure if the Mayfield trade actually helped anyone, with the exception of Mayfield's psyche.
The Panthers get a better QB than Darnold (who they are paying a guaranteed $19 million this year regardless) and maybe they win a couple more games, but they are not going to be relevant. They may have a bit worse draft position.
Mayfield has to play a "prove it" year in a new system, on a bad team, to try and get teams bidding on him next year, and he gave up a few million for the privelege.
As for the Browns, they have about a $25 million cap hit at QB to play Brissett on a 1 year deal. $60 million in real money, as they pay Watson's signing bonus this year. Goodell has said the NFL is trying to have Watson out for two seasons, instead of just this one. If they are successful in that, then Watson comes back in 2024, not having thrown a pass (at least in a game) in 3 full seasons. He will carry a $55 million cap hit, and be joining a team who hasn't had a first round draft pick in 3 years, they already have crap for receivers, and Chubb and Garrett will be 29, as will Watson. I think the Browns just in football terms, are headed for a pretty bad era.
I too used to love the Chargers... then they moved out of San Diego
Beautiful post, Joe. So well written and interesting.It is why I enjoy your writing.
Larry