Rashard Higgins has seemingly seen it all during his stint with the Cleveland Browns. In his first two seasons, Cleveland has posted an overall record of 1-31, including the nightmarish campaign in 2017 when the Browns became only the second team in modern NFL history to go winless in 16 games.

“I’ve been through hell and back in Cleveland. I’ve seen the rain and now it’s time for the sunshine,” said Higgins in a phone interview with cleveland.com

Higgins started to break through in 2018, posting career highs in total receiving yards (572) and receiving touchdowns (4) en route to seven Browns wins for the season. 

With Baker Mayfield already established as the starting quarterback and the acquisition of superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., it looked like big things were on the horizon in 2019. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t quite reach their peak form as the squad finished the season with only six wins.

“Everything didn’t pan out like we wanted it to last year, but there’s a lot of stuff that we can’t control and we’re just going to go control what we can and move forward.”

Perhaps one of the factors the Browns can control is how much Higgins is involved with the offense. Higgins was targeted only 11 times and posted a career-low of 55 receiving yards. 

“[2019] definitely humbled us. We know what we’re capable of and I know what I’m capable of and we’ll try not to let anything stop us. We’re just going to do us and not look back.’’

The Browns’ high ceiling and unfinished business remains a big motivation for why Higgins chose to stay in The Land. He turned down multiple offers from other teams and signed for the veteran minimum.

“I want to see us prevail. I want to see us win, so I couldn’t give it up that easy. I’m not in it for the money. I’m in it for the glory. I’d rather just win with a team that I’ve been with.’’

Of course, the love from Browns Nation is a huge plus on Higgins’ decision to remain with the team.

“It’s amazing. I’ve never felt more love than what the fans do and say. I try to reach back out to everybody that DMs me. You give respect and you get respect. They love me and I love them too.”