It is no secret that the Cleveland Browns are mired in one of the worst ruts in NFL history. Fortunately, one of the benefits of an o-16 campaign is that there is nowhere left to go but up.

As a result, there is finally some optimism with all the new personnel changes around the franchise. Among them, is the addition of former player Josh Cribbs, according to Andrew Gribbles of the team website:

“His reputation precedes itself. He was one of the best return guys in pro football,” Jackson said. “Plus he’s a Cleveland Brown. He’s one of our own. He told me over a phone call that he had a tremendous passion to get the organization back to winning and that means something to me. We’ve had several other [former players] reach out, but this ended up being the right fit at the right time for us.”

Cribbs was once one of the most exciting players in the NFL thanks to his prowess on special teams. He had signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State before making an immediate impact as a punt and kick returner. Although he would later log in some time at wide receiver, there is no question that Cribbs was one of the best returners of his generation en route to three Pro Bowl selections.

As one of the most decorated players in franchise history Cribbs' pedigree should be a great influence on some of the younger players. It goes without saying that the Browns are in serious need of a culture change moving forward.