KC Concepcion's message to Browns rookies shows this year's class has the right stuff

For too long, the Cleveland Browns have been an NFL punchline. They've been the team everyone loves to mock, a seemingly lost franchise that can't get out of its own way because of the owners' whims and micromanagement.

While the criticism has been mostly valid, the past doesn't always define the future. Sometimes, all it takes is one (or a few) special players to turn things around, not only with their actions on the field, but also with their approach to everything they do off it.

Fortunately, it seems like that's happening in Cleveland.

The youngsters have a big chip on their shoulders, and rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion summed it up pretty well when talking about himself and his fellow rookies this week.

"If we could take the preparation process serious, get in our film and just try and become the best version of ourselves every day, who says that the new kids on the block can't do it?" Concepcion asked reporters.

KC Concepcion is showing the kind of leadership the Browns have been missing

As the song would say, this is Step by Step.

Of course, talent and coaching make a good team, but leadership makes a great one. The Browns have filled their roster with competitors and guys who care. It's all about winning.

The New Kids on the Block would agree that Concepcion's got the right stuff. He looks skinny, but he's been one of the team's most physical and relentless blockers. Even when he's not getting the ball, he's putting his body on the line to ensure one of his teammates can make a play.

That matters. That's leadership.

Spencer Fano proved that he wouldn't be bullied. He stood up to Jared Verse, embraced the challenge of going against him every day in practice, and didn't hesitate to go beyond the whistle when he felt disrespected.

Austin Barber joined the team as a developmental swing tackle who got a chance to play right guard because of Teven Jenkins' back injury. Instead of shying away, he embraced the challenge head-on and started moving guys out of the way.

As for Denzel Boston, he's been dominant to the point where he might be the NFL's best rookie wide receiver. It's not about being the toughest or the most physical guy, but Boston, like his fellow Browns rookies, looks hungry out there.

This team is far from perfect, and there's still plenty to clean up on both sides of the ball. But this isn't just a matter of wanting it. This is also an incredibly skilled and talented group with complementary skill sets.

But how many times have we seen strong classes fade away because they didn't take themselves seriously? How many times has the most talented team accomplished nothing because of personal agendas?

This doesn't sound like an empty statement or classic player talk. Concepcion is fully convinced that this team can make some serious noise.

So there's only one question left to ask: Why not us?

Let's keep Hangin' Tough.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow