Joshua Cribbs of the Cleveland Browns is having an extraordinary career in the NFL. Missing out on a draft pick in 2005 he was signed as a free agent by the Browns and is now regarded as not only a superb special teams player but a legitimate offencive threat in almost any position. His quick feet led him to an NFL record 8 kick return touchdowns over his five year career including 3 in the 2009 season and he seems ready for more in 2010.
Being one of Cleveland’s only bright sparks in 2009 he took on more offencive duties including lining up as a receiver, running back and wildcat quarterback. Indeed few remember his college career at Kent State where he displayed rare Vick-like talent amassing both impressive rushing and passing numbers. He truly is a man of many talents.
“The more you can do for your football team, that’s how valuable you are,” Josh said during an interview on the NFL network. “Any opportunity I get I’m going to be on the football field, you can bet that, come the start of the season.” As long as it helps the team he is willing to go out there and play. “Every position, you name it,” he replied when asked what position he actually considers himself to play. “Any position my team needs me to play… Defence is a possibility, if we come up short.”
With doubts raised over almost every position in the current Browns roster Joshua Cribbs is a standout talent, but he is one they almost lost when his requests for a better contract fell on deaf ears.
Negotiations had gone sour early this year and he was understandably upset. In January Cribbs stated that he felt “like I’ve been betrayed and stabbed in the back. I’m not just insulted by the number, but by the fact they consider me just a kick returner.”
Cribbs’ impact on the field towards the end of the last season cannot be understated as his efforts led the Browns to four straight wins in a row to end the season, potentially saving Eric Mangini’s job as head coach in the process. This run included a week 15 game against Kansas City in which he returned two kicks for touchdowns.
Despite this he came dangerously close to demanding a trade: “They won’t let me sit, because I have value. They’d be forced to trade me.”
Thankfully the Brown’s head office came to their senses and offered him a new three year 20 million dollar contract. It must feel like his due reward, and should be ample inspiration for further heroics on the field.
After announcing his new contract to the media he reportedly met his fans and gave around 1500 signatures, saying “The fans played a huge part in my re-signing and that’s why I’m here — to thank them.”
Cribbs’ career is indeed unique and his rise to the NFL was not easy, but when a player works hard and has the correct attitude by Joshua’s example they can still earn the big bucks. His success is startling when you consider the myriad other players currently engaged in contractual or team disputes at the moment. Figures like Albert Haynesworth provides stark contrast to Cribbs who just wants to play, regardless of position.
In a way the Brown’s many weaknesses on offence has aided Cribbs’ rise to being a two time All-Pro selection (2007, 2009) and named on the recent All Decade Team (kick returner). He was given the chance to shine and took it, and has finally received his just rewards.
With the Brown’s looking to shake their almost perpetual underdog tag going into the 2010 season expect Joshua Cribbs to get a lot more of the ball.
Watch him play, you wont regret it.
Shortlink:
(click to copy)
Pingback: Suprising Everybody: The Cleveland Browns | NFL Down Under