Cleveland Browns safety Donte Whitner lights up Twitter
By Thomas Moore
Nov 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) is hit as he throws by Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this month, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney instituted his annual ban on Clemson players from using any form of social media during the upcoming season.
It’s a good thing that Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine doesn’t share Swinney’s feelings toward Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like or else Browns fans would have missed out on safety Donte Whitner‘s Twitter chat this morning.
With today’s Browns practice with Buffalo not scheduled until 6 p.m., Whitner took to Twitter to answer questions from fans. Whitner is high on wide receiver Travis Benjamin, is not ready to give up on struggling cornerback Justin Gilbert, and believes the Browns can have a Top 10 defense this year.
Here is some of what transpired:
“@BCarlin58: @DonteWhitner How many picks this year..?” {I want 6}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@TheGreat_JT: @DonteWhitner will Gilbert ever be any good?” {yes.}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@Kool5213: @DonteWhitner Hardest hit?” {?}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@nick_opincar15: @DonteWhitner another pro bowl this year?” {yep. That's the goal}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@uxcle: @DonteWhitner How do you guys look so far in camp? Feeling good on the season?” {we look and feel strong. Gonna be a good year}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@rydog2729: @DonteWhitner most improved player on the team?” {@TravisBenjamin3}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@jakejackson_15: @DonteWhitner best part about the joint practices?” {game like intensity}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@timmyspan: @DonteWhitner do you prefer a big hit or an int?” {both. Is that possible?}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@N_Phillips12: @DonteWhitner How awesome is my boy Meder? #66” {strong}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@ajcopa24: @DonteWhitner what does it mean to you to play in your hometown?” {means everything but winning would mean more!}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@NateClineOITV: @DonteWhitner Are we going to be happy with our 2015 Browns?” {yes. And you will too}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@alecneundorfer: @DonteWhitner which game are you looking forward to most this season?” {game 1}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@Coach_BKennedy: @DonteWhitner what's with all the reports of us not having great intensity yesterday ?” {I don't know.}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@Julean91: @DonteWhitner how many more years do you plan on playing?” {a lot more left in the tank. I dunno}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@A_JAY_GEE: @DonteWhitner is that same playoff winning mentality that was in SF currently in the browns?” {I feel it}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
“@joey_vozel: @DonteWhitner Do u feel our defense will be top 10 this year ??” {yes}
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) August 18, 2015
Whitner reaching out to the fans through social media is an extension of the vocal leadership role he’s taken on since signing with the Browns as a free agent prior to the 2014 season. He made his third consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl last year after leading Cleveland in tackles with 106 and he’s looking for even better days to come this fall.
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“Losing so many games by three-four points, we understand it was maybe 10-12 plays that kept us out of the playoffs,” Whitner said of the 2014 season. “We understand if we go out and correct certain things, maybe we’re not even in close games at the end of the football game. Maybe we win by two-three touchdowns.”
It’s great to see Whitner interacting with the fans through social media. With players today more isolated from fans than ever before, this is a nice way for Whitner to connect with the most passionate fanbase in the NFL.
Hopefully it won’t be the last.