Die Hard Browns Fan: Jim

I'm really enjoying this new Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature. First, my Uncle Walt then my brother Steve ... now, it's time for someone who is not a relative.

This week, I talked to a former co-worker of mine who I used to spend many a morning talking football with when we worked together.

Jim lives in Stow and is a graduate of The Ohio State University (which is why I tolerate his Buckeye fanaticism). He has twin boys, but could not convince his wife to name them Ozzie and Webster. Otherwise, believe me, Jim is a true die hard

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.


How long have you been a Browns fan?

41 years.

Who is your all-time favorite Browns player?

Does Chris Spielman count?

Did you ever get to see him play in person?

Not as a Brown. Did anyone? I certainly got to see him in college and he was phenomenal.

What is your favorite Browns memory?

Still waiting for the ultimate one, but watching the playoff runs of the Brian Sipe/Ozzie Newsome era as a kid were outstanding. We’ve got to get back to that.

Do you support Mike Holmgren and the direction in which he is taking this team?

In short, yes. But I’m tired of starting over every three or four years with a new direction. Holmgren’s  pretty sharp guy and he’s obviously had success, albeit in a different role.

Are you satisfied with the hiring of Pat Shurmur as the head coach?

I haven’t done any cartwheels yet. At the same time, I’ve got to trust the decisions Holmgren and Heckert make because of their respective track records. What worries me as an outsider is the shallow pool of candidates who even considered coaching the Browns knowing Holmgren would be so influential with the on-field decisions.

What off season move has you excited for next season?

The casting off of the veteran former Jets players and Shaun Rogers, getting younger and freeing up salary we hopefully use wisely.

What offseason move has you worried about next season?

The conversion to the 4-3 scheme on defense without a lot of proven talent on the line.

What areas do you think are of the biggest concern to the Browns for next season?

I’m of the mindset that our receiving corps isn’t as concerning as many fans believe it to be. The type of offense we’ll run next year will allow our existing guys to play much better, plus Robiskie and Massoquoi will be much improved in their third years. It takes receivers a little longer to catch on in the NFL (get it? Catch on?).

I’m more concerned about filling the spots on the defensive line, as well as the defensive backfield.

Who would you like to see the Browns take with the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft?

I’d ideally like to see us be able to trade down a few spots and get an extra second round pick, which could give us four picks within the top 100. Think of how many holes we could address with that. And I think there’s too much attention placed on the first round pick.

The draft is seven rounds and there’s plenty of immediate starters we can pick up in rounds two and three (just pick as many North Carolina linemen and linebackers as you can in these rounds). The first round is not the be-all end-all.

That said, if we keep the 6 pick I like Peterson and Dareus. JJ Watt would be my target if we moved down a few spots. And give me Christian Ponder or Ricky Stanzi as our developmental quarterback later in the draft.

Who is your favorite current Browns player?

I like Joe Thomas, Joe Haden and Josh Cribbs.

What makes you a die-hard Browns fan?

Location, location, location. Why else would anyone put up with this misery and stress every year?

How much money would it take to get you to wear a Steelers jersey in public?

Don’t tell anyone, but part of me admires how the Steelers run their organization and achieve such consistently strong results every year. That said, it would take enough money to buy two Browns season tickets to wear a Steelers jersey in public.

There you have it. Real answers from a real Browns fan. Thanks sharing your thoughts, Jim, and thanks for being a Browns fans.

Are you a die-hard Browns fan? If you're reading this and your name isn't RJ, then I'm guessing you are. Visit our Facebook page or send us an e-mail and let us know if you'd like to be considered for a future Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Go Browns!