Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett braved the cold on Thursday at the Cleveland Visitors Center as he revealed the latest #VoicesofCLE public art installation, in collaboration with Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Destination Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
Involved from concept to completion, Garrett personally selected artist, Glen Infante, to create the “Cleveland is the Reason” mural, inspired by Cleveland icons of sports, culture, and rock ‘n’ roll. “When you think of Cleveland, we often think about these popular personalities who helped shape the culture of our city,” says Infante. “I wanted to make sure that those who found success in their respected fields were being recognized and thanked for their accomplishments.”
Featured in the mural are famous Clevelanders in culture, sports and music—LeBron James, Machine Gun Kelly, Toni Morrison, Jim Brown, Jesse Owens and Tracy Chapman.
"I'm glad to say I'm a part of it and I only had that chance because of the Cleveland Browns and what they've allowed me to do, the partnership with the Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Glen Infante, being able to put this beautiful art work up and being able to have something we can look and smile upon every time we go down the road," Garrett said.
Garrett was honored as the Browns’ 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year, which recognizes NFL players for their commitment to the community in addition to their on-field excellence. Since joining Cleveland as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, he has posted 42.5 sacks in 51 career games en route to two All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl accolades.
Photo courtesy of WTAM Steve Bailey
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