Cleveland Browns: Advice from Josh Cribbs rings true

The best return man in team history is now a coaching intern for the Cleveland Browns and he has a message for the players he’s now coaching

There’s not a player in the long history of the Cleveland Browns that understands how important special teams is like Josh Cribbs does. A former undrafted quarterback, Cribbs converted to wide receiver but made his mark for the Browns as a return man.

Cribbs spent eight seasons with the Browns and had 2,154 yards on punt returns and 10,015 yards on kickoff returns. He also has the most combined return touchdowns in Cleveland history with 11.

Sadly, Cribbs was with the Browns during some dark times and never helped them turn their franchise around. He’s hoping that will change now that he’s back as a coaching intern with them and he’s already giving sound advice.

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Speaking with Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, the new special teams intern said making the team was his only opportunity to change his life.

"“I came in the hard way as a free agent,” said Cribbs via Pluto of Cleveland .com. “I was signed for five grand. I was eaten up by bills. This opportunity was all I had to change my life.”"

Cribbs went on to discuss how special teams is the way to a roster for a lot of players.

Guys like himself, who he said had a one-percent shot of making the team, can find their path there.

It doesn’t matter if you want to play receiver, running back or defensive back. Special teams is always there and being great at it is the best way to stand out. Cribbs is living proof of that.

Not only was a spectacular return man, but Cribbs was just as talented on coverage teams. He had 103 tackles in his eight seasons with a career high 23 back in 2008.

Next: 10 Worst free agent signings in Browns history

He did everything full out and his message for the young guys trying to make the team is one they should all hear. And he’s proof it can work.

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference

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