Cleveland Browns: 5 gifts received in 2020
By Sam Penix
![Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 23](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15330141-850x560-d1e8bdf15601c2c03fdf8cc92925b94be6297cee09628c0a8dad0a7714fb5dcc.jpg "Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 23")
2. General manager Andrew Berry
Andrew Berry was considered a rising star when he served as vice president of player personnel with Cleveland from 2016-2018. He then left to join the Philadelphia Eagles as their vice president of football operations. He worked with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, learning from one of the most respected executives in the league (both what to do and what not to do, clearly).
Two years ago at this time, the thought of firing former GM John Dorsey would have been borderline blasphemy. But Dorsey’s narcissistic personality, disregard for character, and tendency to burn through capital without replenishing it quickly used up the goodwill he had earned during his first offseason. His desire to retain former head coach Freddie Kitchens was just the last straw, and a “mutual departure” soon followed.
After the team hired its next head coach, the Browns brought back Berry and made him the youngest GM in NFL history at only 32 years old. The front office is now unified and moving forward without jealousy or infighting. Assets are spent and recouped efficiently, and data is used in decision-making, as opposed to just gut feelings. It seems as if the Browns finally got the right GM, and that’s not just because of their current record. It’s because of the type of person and leader that Berry is.