Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) runs through the tackle of Indianapolis Colts free safety Sergio Brown (38) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell has been busy with more than football while waiting for the start of this week’s Organized Team Activities.
The second-year, undrafted free agent has been visiting schools and football camps in his home state of Georgia, according to an article by Mark Inabinett at AL.com. In addition, Crowell was commended by the Georgia General Assembly during a visit in March.
The SEC Freshman of the Year at Georgia, Crowell was dismissed by the Bulldogs following a felony gun charge. The charges were eventually dropped, but not before Crowell played the remainder of his college career at Division I-AA Alabama State.
Honored to be recognized by Georgia state congress this morning. My message...I'm proof 2nd chances are worth giving pic.twitter.com/XTYgd8b4q4
— Isaiah Crowell (@IsaiahCrowell34) March 20, 2015
As a rookie with the Browns in 2014, Crowell combined with fellow rookie Terrance West for more than 1,200 yards rushing and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Since the end of the season, Crowell has been sharing with anyone who listens the importance of embracing a second chance if one arrives.
Lot of excitement for the autographs. Always the best part... pic.twitter.com/oy8CqpqFto
— David Mitchell (@DMitchTWG) February 24, 2015
“I really just feel like with what I went through, it really molded me and grounded me into the person I am today. It gave me a second chance and I’ve had to take full advantage of it and not let anyone down,” Crowell said in an interview with UGASports.com. “I’m not going to let anything come between me and my dreams.”
During the off-season Crowell has shared his message with residents of a Georgia retirement center; as well as students at Dawson Elementary, Rothschild Middle and Carver High, the schools he attended in his hometown of Columbus, Ga.
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“The main thing (I wanted to tell the students) is really just to listen,” he told The Ledger-Enquirer about the visits. “Listen to the people that care about you — the parents and teachers and coaches — because they’re not going to tell you wrong. And basically, just keep your nose clean because I don’t want to see anyone go through what I went through.”
Now that his rookie season is behind him, Crowell has an admirer in former Cleveland running back Earnest Byner.
“Crowell has the most potential to be the type of leader and player that the Browns need,” Byner told the team’s website in January. “His talent is there. I think he is open to learning and growing. His future is as bright as any young back in the league.”
Do you think the Browns are set at running back with Crowell and West?