Die Hard Browns Fan: Walt

We're starting a new feature in the Blawg Pound today. It's called Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan — this is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions on our beloved Cleveland Browns and tell us why you're a die hard fan.

I couldn't think of a better first subject of this feature than my uncle, Walt Schmitz. He's the biggest die hard Browns fan I know.

Growing up, I associated the Browns with my Uncle Walt. I can remember him throwing people out of the way of the TV when the game was on. My Uncle Walt is the one who taught me how to bark.

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?

I remember a little about the 1962 Season but the first season I clearly remember is 1963.

Who is your all-time favorite Browns player?

Paul Warflield on offense and Clay Matthews on defense.

Did you ever get to see him play in person?

Yes to both, although when Warfield was in his prime I only saw him in exhibitions and then I saw him again when he came back to the Browns.

What is your favorite Browns memory?

I remember watching the Browns win the 1964 title in fuzzy black and white. Not too many kids in my class were able to watch it since it was blacked out, but your dad set us up with a Cleveland-Toledo antenna so we were able to watch it.

 The next August we went to the doubleheader and was a preview of that year's championship between the Browns and Packers.  That was the only time I saw Jimmy Brown play in person.

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

Time will tell, but I think he has them headed in a better direction than any time since Marty (Schottenheimer) left.

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

Time will tell.  I was not in favor of bringing in a retread Super Bowl winning coach.  No coach has ever won a Super Bowl with two different teams and I think that Weeb Ewbank is the only coach to win NFL championships with different teams.

What off season move has you excited for next season?

My enthusiasm is tempered by the impending lockout.

What offseason move has you worried about next season?

I can't say that I disagree with any moves made so far in the off season.

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

Will Colt McCoy become Drew Breese, blossoming in his second season, or will be Tim Couch, Brady Quinn, et. al., and fade after some initial promise as a rookie?

Will the Browns find a number one receiver? 

Will they be able to upgrade the defensive front seven?

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

The best available non-quarterback.  If there is a QB there, they should trade the pick.

Who is your favorite current Browns player?

Joe Thomas

What makes you a die-hard Browns fan?

At the conclusion of the final Browns game in 1995, I cried. When my first wife left me, I didn't shed a tear.

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

At first, I thought it priceless, but on the other hand, the Browns and the NFL have really shown no loyalty to me, so I'd probably sell out for about $150K.

There you have it. Real answers from a real Browns fan. Thanks sharing your thoughts, Uncle Walt, 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!