Cleveland Browns: Josh Cribbs retires, remains a fan favorite in Cleveland
Josh Cribbs announced his retirement from the NFL after a storied career that continues to make him a fan favorite among Cleveland Browns fans.
Being a Cleveland Browns fan involves a lot of nostalgia. Fans long for the days when talented players graced the field for the Browns, and the team won more than one game in a season.
Josh Cribbs was one of those talented players from the past, and one who Browns fans still love. He has not been a member of the Browns since 2012, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to thank Browns fans, and have them offer support in return.
Cribbs announced his retirement today, thanking the Browns for his time in Cleveland.
"I'm grateful to officially retire a Cleveland Brown. Thank you, Cleveland." — @JoshCribbs16 pic.twitter.com/vLZ9DLSLCA
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) March 22, 2017
Fans loved Cribbs not just because of his stats, but because he truly enjoyed being a member of the Browns. And with the team not seeing much success in the past two decades, that passion from players is important to fans.
But the stats weren’t too bad either, as Cribbs remains one of the most legendary returners in all of football, and will likely remain one as the return game has drastically changed in the past few years.
“That experience, the [Browns] fan base, I wouldn't trade it for the world."@JoshCribbs16 retires from the @NFL » https://t.co/ND3OXfCW6r pic.twitter.com/TKeIX0e5Bz
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 22, 2017
Kicking to Cribbs was a dangerous endeavor, and he made teams pay more often than not. That advantage in the field-position game was huge for the Browns during his tenure from 2005-2012. There are so many highlights, but this one remains my favorite.
That return against the Pittsburgh Steelers came during the magical 2007 season, when the Browns managed to finish with a winning record, with Cribbs helping the team succeed throughout the year.
His release following the 2012 season upset some Browns fans, but it does not take away from his legacy with the team. He made it clear in his retirement announcement that he is retiring as a Cleveland Brown, and his number will likely join other Browns greats in FirstEnergy Stadium in the near future.
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The Browns have seen a lot of players pass through since 1999, and Cribbs is one of the few who left a positive image in the minds of Browns fans. So if you have some time, be sure to send your well wishes to Cribbs as he begins life after football.