This Doesn't Feel Right

Growing up in Cleveland through the 80's and 90's the first quarterback I remember was Bernie Kosar (Read some posts from last year to see why I think he is king). I have no memories of the Paul Brown era when head coaches wore suites as a sign of respect for the game (someone should remind Belichick of this), I have no memories of Otto Graham or Jim Brown - I only have stories of these greats. I respect what they brought to the game, and more importantly to this city. Their presence demanded respect and confidence - something that many Clevelanders are having trouble finding within themselves these days.

The majority of my childhood and teen years were spent cheering for the Indians to take a championship - they demanded our respect in the 90's.

I have memories of my parents packing the family in the 92' Chrysler Minivan in the middle of the night, driving down to an empty Jacob's Field, and honking our horn to celebrate the Indians winning a big game (that horn never recovered). The really crazy thing - there were thousands who did the same.

I remember Manny forgetting how many outs there were in the World Series...I won't get into that one.

Lets fast forward to 2008:

The Browns training camp started yesterday. The articles in The Plain Dealer were upbeat and inspiring - the city is ready for the Browns. The water tower in Berea received a new addition...a Browns helmet and the caption "Home of the Cleveland Browns" - words that emphatically scream "This is our team and we are proud of it."

We have come a long way from the coin flip last year. The funny thing is that the Bears actually flipped a coin to see who their QB would be this year - maybe someone should remind them that Charlie Frye won that flip, not Anderson...hmmm, on second thought lets let them figure that one out on their own.

Lebron could not carry us to a NBA championship (single handed), The Indians folded on this year before the all-star break (trading CC), so our hope for a champion this year rests with the Browns - this doesn't feel right. I have never experienced the Browns getting so much respect. I mean, any warm blooded Clevelander would defend the Browns any day of the week, but now we are on the footsteps of national respect - something this fan, this family, this team, this city needs right now. Respect is ours for the taking, now is the time we need to seize it.

Will I get used to this new feeling? I think the billboards that are going up around Cleveland say it best "There is always this year."