Sometimes NFL teams have pretty bizarre ways of judging their own players. Many teams have questions during draft interviews or during free agency that make one shake their head. For the Cleveland Browns, it’s a handshake.
Per ESPN's Seth Wickersham, Teddy Bridgewater rubbed Browns owner Jimmy Haslam the wrong way from exactly that:
“[T]he team had soured on Bridgewater after his interview dinner and workout with team brass,[S]omething about Bridgewater’s handshake rubbed Haslam the wrong way, he told team executives.”
This ended up working out for the Browns in the long run, as Bridgewater hasn’t been the most effective quarterback in the NFL. However, to judge a player simply by their handshake is ridiculous. That's a pretty interpersonal way to define somebody’s ability to play football.
Jimmy Haslam has been the owner of the Browns since the 2012 season. His singular effect as an owner on the team hasn’t necessarily been positive. That article released by ESPN detailed the relationship between Haslam, former coach Hue Jackson, and their quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Since taking over the team the Browns have had a 21-75-1 record under Haslam’s direction. It will be interesting to see how much control he will continue to have in player acquisitions and roster movement.
Last season, the Browns finally seemed to click and leave mediocrity. After firing Jackson halfway through the season, a fire seemed to be ignited under Mayfield as he led his team to finish the year 5-3.
The Browns made Gregg Williams their interim head coach, but they decided on Freddie Kitchens as their head coach moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe