The Cleveland Browns and the city they represent have experienced widespread disrespect, even when it’s not deserved.
The Browns have worked hard to become a competitive NFL organization under head coach Kevin Stefanski, who started four years ago.Cleveland has made the playoffs twice during that time (2020, 2023), winning 11 games both times, and also won a playoff game. The Browns have a regular-season record of 37-30 under the current leadership.
Despite this, the idea of the team as a serious contender, and Cleveland as a legitimate sports city, has been dismissed by players like linebacker Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys . Browns tight end David Njoku has previously addressed the disrespect, and the 2023 Pro Bowler reiterated his comments last week.
“Cleveland raised me from a boy to a man,” Njoku said during a media session on Wednesday, May 8, according to Camryn Justice of WEWS Cleveland. “Becoming a man in this city is more significant than many people realize. So criticizing Cleveland, like Parsons and the other person did, is something I won’t tolerate, regardless of the circumstances. I will never accept it. So, with that being said, respect the city. It’s very simple.”
David Njoku, Micah Parsons Shared Heated Exchange During Pro Bowl Event
GettyTight end David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns.
Njoku referred to a comment the Dallas star made during halftime of a Madden 24 Challenge at the recent Pro Bowl in February.
Parsons and Njoku competed in the video game, with Parsons leading at halftime. The linebacker then said that Njoku’s first-half performance showed why “Cleveland is Cleveland,” which was a direct insult to the city and its sports teams, particularly the Browns.
Njoku was immediately offended.
“He said Cleveland is Cleveland, but we’re both here,” Njoku replied, pointing out that neither player, nor their teams, were preparing to play in the Super Bowl. “We’re both playing this Madden game. So what are you saying of Cleveland is Cleveland? Dallas is Dallas?”
Playoff Runs of Browns, Cowboys Mirrored One Another Last Postseason
GettyLinebacker Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys.
The historical similarities between the two cities are not entirely accurate, as Dallas has won five Super Bowls and Cleveland has won none. However, the Cowboys haven’t won a title since the mid-1990s — almost 30 years — and have been disappointing in the playoffs during all three of Parsons’ postseason appearances with the team.
The Cowboys are 1-3 in the playoffs since Parsons joined the NFL, including 0-2 at home. The Green Bay Packers defeated Dallas on its home field during Super Wildcard Weekend in January, with a score of 48-32. Cleveland also suffered a heavy defeat in the same round, but on the road against the Houston Texans by a , with a score of 45-14.
Both the Browns and the Cowboys have stacked their rosters, so both teams have a good chance of returning to the playoffs at the end of the upcoming season.
