Rob McBurnett
Director, Community & Corporate Communications
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski (6.15.21)
Statement on being formally presented with the PFWA’s 2020 NFL Coach of the Year Award:
“I appreciate that. As you know, I do not want to talk about 2020, but in this instance, it gives me an opportunity to talk about our players and our coaches. As everybody knows, I thought they did an outstanding job last year in tough circumstances, and they never blinked. They made me look good. I appreciate the recognition for our staff and for our players.
Opening statement:
“With that, I will just kind of dive into today. I thought it was really good work out there. Absolutely beautiful day on the fields here in Berea. Got a lot of really good work in. The individual drills, the seven-on-seven, the team periods, I thought we covered a lot of ground. We ran a lot of plays. A ton of communication was going on out there. I was really pleased with the work that we got done. We have another one tomorrow and then one more on Thursday.”
On how WR Odell Beckham Jr. looked in practice today:
“Looked good to me. Did some individual drills. Did routes on air. He is still progressing through. I think he is seven or eight months-post ACL surgery, and he looks a lot different than I did seven or eight months-post ACL. I think it was just the doctor he had, but he looks pretty good to me (laughter).”
On the prospects of Beckham being fully ready for training camp:
“I think we will see. He looked good today. Day 1 of minicamp and then we will progress and make sure that we are having obviously dialogue with the player, the training staff, the medical staff, etc.”
On DE Myles Garrett missing the last 11-on-11 period and if the Browns OL and DL were doing a conditioning test during one point of practice:
“He was excused. No, that is not a test. When you are working so much seven-on-seven – this is a passing camp with the way the rules are set up it is for the passing game – so while we are doing seven-on-seven, the O line and D line were doing some striders but in no way a test.”
On if the coaching staff talks during the offseason about playing RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt together more and the prospects for it in 2021:
“We talk about a lot of things in those meetings. We want to obviously do different things throughout the course of the season and give the defense different looks. It could be two running backs; it could be three running backs. We will just have to wait and see.”
On the NFL rules for the PUP list as it relates to a player participating in minicamp and being fully cleared from a medical standpoint:
“Honestly, I do not know the particulars of that rule. I am just not sure.”
On QB Baker Mayfield’s current understanding of the offense compared to this time last season now that they are back together on the field:
“I would tell you, yes, this is the first time I am in person with him, but we have been on a lot of Zoom calls together. Throughout the course of this offseason program going all of the way back to April, we have installed the offense, we have watched tape together and we have added new plays and talked about old plays. We have a pretty good feel for where Baker is and really where a bunch of the guys that are returning. We have room to grow. We have work to do. Today was a step in that direction.”
On if there a specific example of something that is better now in comparison to last offseason:
“The first thing that comes to mind is the cadence. It is really hard to practice that on Zoom. That was something we really did not practice, per se, until July of last year. Obviously, with the offense in Year 2, we are able to do things and different cadences, whether it be first, second, third down or fourth down for that matter, that we are ahead of where we were last year, but there are going to be people in the stands this season, God willing, so that means the silent count and some of those different things you have to do are definitely going to show up this year where they did not last year.”
On DEs Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley being on the field today, along with DE Myles Garrett and DT Malik Jackson, and his reaction to seeing those DL members together:
“I enjoyed seeing 90 guys out there. Good to be around the players. Good for the players to be around each other. I think we got a lot done just in terms of team building, strengthening relationships and meeting new players. You mentioned Jadeveon and Takk, they were meeting some guys for the first time today. I thought it was really good for those guys to be around each other. Particularly the defensive line, I think it is a competitive group. (Defensive line) Coach (Chris) Kiffin and (assistant defensive line) Coach (Jeremy) Garrett push them, and I think you see in their individual drills they are having fun. It is a high-energy group.”
On if the Browns are seeing their teachings from virtual meetings translate to the field well during minicamp or if it is a work in progress:
“It is definitely a work in progress, like everything. Like all of us, we definitely can get better. The guys on the offense have a strong understanding of what we are doing. We ran some things today that were from Install 1, and we ran some things today that were from Install 7. It really ran the gamut. Just wanted to get some things live, and get the quarterbacks a feel for it, get the receivers, etc. There is an element of making sure that we are getting live reps of some things right now, and see if we want to continue to do them and see if there are things that we want to try in training camp as we move forward.”
On an update on the length of Chief of Staff Callie Brownson’s suspension and if Brownson will return for training camp:
“She will be back for training camp, but I am not going to get into the specifics right now.”
On if he has seen some of the work Beckham has posted on social media during the rehab process:
“If you can believe it, I have not seen what he is doing on social media (laughter), but I saw it in person, and that was better. He is moving around. Once again, went through individual, went routes on air and looked good to me.”
On the pace of this year’s minicamp seeming significantly different than how they were structured many years ago:
“You are right. We are trying to be really smart about our pace, particularly when we are in team periods. I think the days of going full speed in those periods, it just does not make sense. There is injury data to back that up, and just thinking about helmets and shoulders, the guys are not wearing shoulder pads so it is hard to protect themselves. We feel like we can go full speed in individual to work on our technique, and we can go full speed in seven-on-seven and take care of each other and stay away from collisions. When we get to those team drills, we are really putting an emphasis on alignment, assignment and communication, and then we are just going to slow it down post-snap.”
On if it will take some time to get used to the adjusted pace of minicamp, given it is much different from when he entered the NFL:
“You just have to be able to adapt. I think the players and the coaches did a nice job today. We are going to get back to training camp, and early on, we are only going to be in helmets and then the pads will come on and start to progress into what looks like a normal team drill. I just think that is part of us taking in all of the information and making sure we get really, really good work in without exposing any of the guys to undue injury.”
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RB Nick Chubb (6.15.21)
On returning to the field:
“It feels good. It is a great feeling to get back out there with the team and to see all of the faces, see all of the coaches, the guys and see new faces, too. It is great to be out here. Great to get back to work.”
On if he is confident the Browns offense can pick up where it left off last season or potentially take it to another level:
“I hope we can pick up where we left off. We had a great team last year and did some great things. It is still a process. We cannot come in here and get too far ahead of ourselves. We have got to still take it day by day, play by play and just continue to get better in every area.”
On if there is a different level of excitement this year after last season’s success:
“I think the biggest thing is we know we can be a good team. We showed it every week that we could go out there and we can play with some of the better teams. I think that is exciting for us, but we are not still living off of last year. It is a new season, we have new players and we are playing different teams. For us, it is about continuing to get better and become a better team.”
On if he has heard anything from his agent about a potential contract extension with the Browns:
“I am going to let my agent and the Browns handle that. I am just here to play, be here for my team, continue to get better and try become a better teammate and a better team. That is all I am focusing on and will allow that to take care of itself.”
On if he knows if the Browns have spoken to his agent yet about a potential contract extension:
“I think they have talked, but I told my agent just to handle it for me until he needs me.”
On if there may be more in store for him and RB Kareem Hunt together on the field this year:
“Yeah, I always think there is more we can do. Kareem is an awesome teammate and an awesome player. Every year, it is great to go out there and play with him. I think every year is a chance for us to go out there and show how we can continue to be a dynamic duo every year.”
On if run game coordinator/running backs coach Stump Mitchell has mentioned he and Hunt each getting to 1,000 rushing yards this year, given it was a goal for Mitchell last year:
“We are not getting too ahead of ourselves. We still have minicamp, and we still have camp. He has not mentioned it yet.”
On if the Browns still have strong chemistry, especially offense, despite challenges of COVID protocols:
“We are all still pretty close personally. I hope we are still close chemistry-wise on the field. It is our first day back so I guess we will find out here in a couple hours.”
On if there is excitement in the building with all of the players being back:
“Yeah, I feel excitement in here.”
On why he did not come to OTAs and if it had anything to do with NFLPA president and Browns C JC Tretter’s comments:
“Maybe a little bit, but ultimately, it was my decision just to stay home. I feel like I get great work at home, I train really hard and I am able to go at my own pace. I think that was the biggest thing for me to stay home and train. I knew I would be ready when it was time come back for good.”
On the focus of his offseason training:
“Bigger, faster, stronger.”
On if he went to Austin last week to work out with Browns offensive players:
“No, I did not.”
On why he did not go to Austin for the independent offensive workouts:
“It was just my decision personally. I like being home.”
On if he will be so focused on football that he can block out the contract extension talks and any potential distractions:
“Yeah, I do. No matter what happens, I will still be who I am, and I think that is the biggest thing I am focused on is continue to be who I am and be the guy I need to be for this team.”
On if he has a desired timeline for a contract extension:
“I would not say I do. I know whatever happens will happen for the best of me, and I trust and believe in that.”
On how important it is for him to be in Cleveland long term:
“It would mean a lot. Cleveland drafted me however many years ago it was, trusted me and put their faith in me to come here and help build this culture of this team I have been a part of it. I feel like, yeah, Cleveland is where I want to be and hope everything can work out in that direction.”
On if he can continue to put up big numbers in this offense long term:
“Yeah, I think so. I do not like uncertainty, and I know here in Cleveland what I have with the players and coaches. This is the City of Cleveland, and I do not know how things will be anywhere else so Cleveland is where I want to be and that is my main focus – to be here in Cleveland.”
On what having WR Odell Beckham Jr. back will mean to the Browns offense:
“We can do a lot. If we were that good without OBJ, we can be even better with him. I believe he is looking good. I believe he is back to himself so I am excited to see.”
On if his dropped passes in the AFC Divisional Game at Kansas City motivates him to continue to improve in that area:
“Yeah, it does.”
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CB Denzel Ward (6.15.21)
On if he hit a home run at WR Jarvis Landry’s celebrity softball game:
“No, I am not much of a baseball player. I got on base, though, but I did not hit a home run. I tried. I tried.”
On how quickly the Browns defense can come together with the new personnel:
“I think we can definitely get on the same page. A lot of guys came in kind of early, as well, to get some work with one another and we were out there getting accustomed to each other and the plays and learning the playbook. I think it will all come together.”
On early impressions of CB Greg Newsome II:
“He is looking good. He is looking like a player. He is looking real good and like a good pick so I am excited to see once these guys get back, the rest of the offense now that they are back, and compete against everybody. He has been looking good out there.”
On how much the Browns CBs can help elevate the defense:
“I think we can be dominant. You can never have enough corners. All of those guys can play. Everybody can play. They have shown that. Everybody just has to come out here and compete, do our job and everything else will take care of itself.”
On continuity in defensive coordinator’s Joe Woods second year in the scheme:
“Definitely just with Joe Woods and our entire staff coming back, I definitely enjoy that and not having to learn a whole new playbook. We are familiar with it, besides the new guys, and can catch on to things fast and new things that they may want to put in.”
On if the Browns defense will be more reflective of Woods’ vision with the new additions:
“Yeah, I believe so. It is not that we did not have the guys last year, as well. We had good guys, good players last year, as well, who was able to produce and get us as far as we got. Definitely with the guys this year, we are able to do a lot of things, and I am sure Joe is going to take advantage of that.”
On the addition of S John Johnson III:
“He is already showing that he is a leader on this team. He is communicating out there and getting guys in position to play, and he is making plays out there. It is going to be good having him on the team.”
On if his agent has had talks with the Browns about a possible contract extension:
“Yes, he has. He is having some talks.”
On if he would like to get a contract extension before the season starts to avoid any potential distraction:
“It is not a distraction to me. I am going to let my agent take care of that. I am focused on playing ball. I am here on the Cleveland Browns. I am just glad to be back in the building here in minicamp with all the guys ready to play. I am focused on playing football and not really worried about anything else.”
On how much he loves playing for the Browns and if in a perfect world he would love to finish his career in Cleveland:
“Perfect world, I would definitely want to be a Brown for my entire career. I am from Cleveland. The team that drafted me. The team that believed in me coming out of college and I take a lot of pride and respect into that. Just want to give my all to this team. It is definitely a place I would want to be. I enjoy being a Cleveland Brown and giving them everything I got.”
On if he would also be excited to potentially bring a Super Bowl to his hometown of Cleveland:
“Definitely. Just have to take it a day at a time, though. A day at a time.’
On why it was important to be at OTAs in recent weeks:
“Definitely from a leadership aspect, I feel like just guys being able to see older guys, as well, going out to practice, competing and still trying to get better, I think it is big, but I still wanted to come in and work on my craft, work on my game, get with the guys, continue to learn the playbook and continue to run the plays. I feel like I got a head start coming into this minicamp, and once we get back, going into camp.”
On his reaction to the Browns and Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager bringing in multiple free agents and draft picks on defense:
“I was excited about it. I feel like he made some great moves. The entire organization made some great moves and some great additions to the team that can help this team out.”
On if he believes the Browns and ‘neck and neck’ with the Chiefs following last year’s loss in the playoffs:
“Yeah, I definitely believe so. I do not see why not. I feel we can beat that team, and we can beat whoever we line up against. We just have to do our job and everything else will take care of itself.”
On adding DEs Jadeveon Clowney, Malik Jackson and Takk McKinley to the pass rush and how it affects pass coverage:
“Man, that is huge. We need those guys. Those guys, like you said, we are a tandem, and it works together so you can never have enough great pass rushers, and that is what those guys are. Looking forward to seeing those guys get after the quarterback and make my job easier in the backend.”
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C JC Tretter (6.15.21)
On the NFL and NFLPA ‘incentivizing’ players to get vaccinated and how that process is going:
“We will start from the beginning. We have been trying our best to educate the players and everybody as much as possible and making sure everybody knows what they need to feel comfortable to make the decisions. I have gotten vaccinated – did plenty of research going into it and felt really good about it. I do not love the word ‘incentives’ because I think we are just following the science like we have from the beginning. The changes to the protocols for vaccinated players is just that. It is following the science and doing what the research, the data and science tell us vaccinated players can do based off of what the transmission rates are versus unvaccinated players. I do not love the word ‘incentives’ because that does not feel like what we are doing. We are really just following the science, doing what is best and what everybody else is doing in following the CDC guidelines. That is not directed at you – everyone is kind of saying ‘incentives,’ but I think language is important and understanding that we are not skipping corners to get guys to get vaccinated. We are just following the science, and that is what vaccinated people are allowed to do in general.”
On operations in the building when having vaccinated and unvaccinated players:
“The vaccinated players are pretty open – we do not have to wear masks, and we do not have to be tested every day. The unvaccinated players still have to follow the same kind of protocols of mask requirements and social distance. The building still is fitted for COVID really so all of that stuff is still the same. Our lockers are spread out, whether you are vaccinated or not. It is not like one group is crammed into one locker room and the rest is spaced out in a different one. We have some people who have gotten the vaccine first dose so they are on their way to having the lighter protocols once they become fully vaccinated.”
On how much benefit there would be for a team if the NFL and NFLPA ultimately establish a threshold for percentage of players vaccinated in order for the team to have less constrictive protocols throughout the building:
“I would have to read through it – I do not think we have a percentage agreed to now or any of the team stuff figured out at this point. Again, this is an individual decision, but the science is out there now. We have plenty of people and we have plenty of resources as a union so anybody who has questions or concerns, we can get you in touch with our medical team and our NFLPA doctor Thom Mayer, who has talked to I think he said over 200 players already. The teams have resources, and we can get you in touch with really any expert you want to talk to about these decisions and these vaccines. If there are people who are looking for information and looking to make a decision, feel free to reach out to the union or the team, and they will get you in touch with people who can fill you in with whatever questions or concerns you possibly have.”
On if it is frustrating at all that the league’s player vaccination numbers may not be as high as some people may have hoped:
“I would not say frustrated. Again, these are [personal] decisions. I think we are a microcosm of the community, and I think you can look at trends across communities and across the country of where the vaccine rate stands. I do not really treat us as players as any different. We are just people who play football for a living. That is really all it is. I would not say disappointed or frustrated. It is continue to educate and continue to get guys to feel comfortable with the decisions they make and understanding what changes come from either decision.”
On how effective the ‘boycott’ of OTAs were across the league:
“Again, I will say language is important. We never used the word ‘boycott.’ That was kind of used by other people. I do not think you can boycott a voluntary program. When it comes to how successful it is, I think anytime as a union you educate your membership on what their rights are under the CBA, whether that is a win or whatever, I think that is positive. When you have over two-thirds of teams negotiate with their players for better language, better rules and better working conditions than what is in the CBA, I think that is extremely positive; I think that is a win. Our goal and our hope is to make the offseason better. We know that the vast majority of players realize and understand that the offseason is kind of an archaic model and it is not in the best interest in the health and safety of the players. I think you see that when these teams agreed to walkthroughs only, sandals for walkthroughs, no helmets, no competitive periods, less time on the field, no meetings, less meetings or cancelled minicamps, those are all positive things for players. I would say that is a win. The fact that over two-thirds of coaches kind of agreed that the normal offseason program was not necessary and they were willing to cancel weeks or change the tempo, I think that is them saying, ‘You know what? Yeah, these offseason program have gotten out of hand. We do not need you here all of this time. We do not have to kill you guys on the practice field and get guys hurt.’ It seems like the coaches are at least aware of the issues at hand. If we want to talk about success, I think this is the first time in a long time players felt like they actually had a choice. I think we created an environment that allowed guys to make a clear, honest decision of whether they should. That is the real question. A lot of people talk about, ‘What was this about?’ I think the question everybody has to ask themselves as players, ‘Is this worth your time to volunteer to come to these practices?’ Early on, it was COVID was an issue and still is an issue. The protocols were not in a good spot for players. They were going to be too burdensome on the players. Then it comes to is it worth my rest, my recovery, where I like working out and being with my family, is it worth leaving those things to come to the facility? We had some guys who said yes and some guys who said no, but that is the decision that every player should be able to make because it is a voluntary program. I would think it was successful. I think this is going to continue because if I am one of the teams that agreed to only going for two weeks, I can’t imagine next year if the coach said we are going to do nine weeks that they are going to like that idea. If I was a player who did not go in and like last year felt really good all season and felt like I had less miles on the tires, I do not see that really changing. I think the teams that went in and did not negotiate and did not make changes, we have seen a handful of those teams violate the CBA, and I think those players are now realizing that unless they are getting some assurances from their clubs, they probably should not go anymore. I think that is a reminder for those teams of what OTAs are like when you do not have an agreement with your teams that they are going to take care of you. If in the end for the next nine years it is going to be 32 teams doing 32 different things but they are all better than what is in the CBA, I think that is great for players.”
On if he believes players should have a ‘say-so’ in how training camp practices are structured and potentially be lighter:
“I think that is something that we as a union are working with the NFL on and learning from what we did last year. I think a lot of that science is pretty clear that we can continue to build and be better in training camp and ramp up the right way. I think the ramp up [period] that we had last year was very successful, and I think the joint panel of our experts agree with that and that the ramp, both in duration and intensity, is an important aspect. I think we continue to build on that. Again, the injury issue gets put into a player-issue only, but the teams want their players healthy, the fans want their player healthy and obviously, the players want to be healthy. It is something that we should all be working on to make sure guys can play at a high level both this year and into the future for as long as they feel like it and not get worn out and get down before they should be.”
On if the NFLPA needed an instance like COVID to help prove the need for a different approach to the offseason and if there is enough data to prove the philosophy about injury rate and OTAs:
“I think players in general knew that the offseason programs were getting out of hand and the intensity was being ramped up and becoming more and more dangerous. I think what COVID did was allow us to see and/or feel what the change would be like. The data, I think, reflects that we were healthier last year, but I also think when we talk about sample size, you have to take into account – I know it is not great – anecdotal evidence, too, where I think most of the guys when you think of last year and all of the things we had to do to deal with COVID – like the rest of the world – and how much of a mental and physical drain of the protocols, the rules and that every day anxiousness, and for the vast majority of our players to still leave last season after all of that and be like, ‘Honestly, I still feel mentally and physically fresher after that season,’ you have to take into account that is how players are feeling. Even if you only have one year of statistics on a lighter offseason, the players know how their bodies feel. We are very in tune with that. When the vast majority are saying that little wear and tear that we get rid of by getting rid of the offseason that makes our bodies feel significantly better by the end of the season, that is good, and that is what we fight for.”
On changes the Browns made to the offseason program and player negotiations with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski about them:
“I think what we did really well is we had really good communication throughout, both player to player and coach to player. I would not really classify anything as a ‘negotiation’ with what we did. Kevin came to us with his plan laid out. We had never had an offseason with Kevin so we did not know how Kevin usually holds an offseason program. Kevin laid out a plan, especially to the leadership and the older players asking questions just for clarifications. After that, we let everybody know that this was a decision that each individual player was going to make – we are not making or we are not telling anybody that they can’t go; we are not telling anybody they have to go – this is a voluntary program, and like I said earlier, you make the decision on what you feel is right. We made it clear to everybody when we get back here in person for mandatory stuff, you have to be ready to go. If you feel like you are going to be more ready to go by staying where you are, training where you are and doing it on your own time, then do that because that is better for the team. If you feel like you want to be in the building doing things here and that is what is going to get you ready to go when we get to mandatory stuff, then do that. There was no – I do not think – pressure to do either. It was just do what you think is in your best interest, and that was it. We know the type of guy Kevin is and this organization so we knew he was not going to kill us; he was going to have a pretty good program put into place. Once we saw it, it was just each person’s decision under the CBA to volunteer to go or volunteer not to go.”
On if had any issues with players who decided to attend the voluntary offseason program after the players released a statement about exercising their right not to attend:
“No. A bunch of guys reached out to me just to talk through it, and I told them, ‘This is your decision. I am here if you have any questions. If you feel like it is in your best interest to be there, be there.’ I do not think there was any pressure, and I am definitely not mad at anybody for coming. I think we laid that out very clearly. We had our own calls with just players where we could talk about it just as a group, and we made it really clear that we are a team and there are no hard feelings either way. For the guys that came in and for the guys who stayed away, there should be no hard feelings for the guys who stayed away, and vice versa, the guys who came in should not be upset that guys stayed away. This is each person is making a decision that they feel is going to make them the best player, and if we all make that decision and all come back as the best players possible, then the team is better because of it.”
On a CDC calling for a meeting about myocarditis in young men and the message to players about the vaccine:
“I have not seen that or I am not sure if I have seen the exact CDC memo that you are talking about. I did see one that I think still said that they would strongly advise everybody to get the vaccine. I am not sure if that is the same memo. I would have to read the [memo]. Those are the things that I unfortunately had to learn more about this virus and the study of it than I probably would have ever wanted to, but I am not the expert. That is why if there are guys with questions, I would direct them to Thom Mayer to answer those because I am not one to speak about the science or anything like that. That is well beyond my paygrade or expertise.”
On a study stating some individuals who had COVID-19 and recovered are potentially not receiving a discernable additional benefit for getting the vaccine and the message to players about the vaccine and COVID-19 protocols:
“Again, I would have to read that, and still even if I did read that, I would definitely check with our medical experts on the best way they feel to handle that. I have not read that study so I think it is tough for me to make a decision or recommendation off of that hypothetical scenario. I would have to get back to you.”
On T Jedrick Wills Jr. sharing several of the Browns OL members convened for workouts this offseason and if he has done that in the past:
“We worked out together. A lot of it was just lifting and some drills. It was normally what we would do in the offseason anyways. I was out in San Diego for the last two weeks. (G Joel) Bitonio was out there with me. That is usually where I spend my offseason as is so I went out there to work out and get to the beach a little bit. A lot of it is just for my personal decision on the matter, I know if I go to OTAs at this point, there are really only two things that could happen – No. 1, I am going to have more wear and tear on my joints, which is not great for me; and No. 2, I have an increased likelihood for a season-ending injury by practicing right now. Both of those things are not good for me and I would say not good for the team with either of those. I have been somebody who has never felt that OTAs have been helpful for me in any part of my career. Taking away the injury I had during it, when you are in shorts and a t-shirt, I think your fundamentals slip more than your fundamentals develop as an offensive lineman because you can’t really put your shoulder into anybody or your are going to get clipped by a facemask so you play high, the defense is able to grab your jersey and pull you and you have nothing to hold onto since they do not have shoulder pads so I think it is not a realistic game-like scenario. I always have felt worse leaving the offseason program, both physically and with my fundamentals, than entering the offseason program. For me, it was a fairly easy decision if I know that I am going to be more banged up leaving and I have a higher likelihood of getting hurt and I do not think I am going to get much benefit when it comes to fundamentals going through it, there is not much to gain when I can train, I can get stronger and I can actually train longer when I am not practicing every day and I can go work out longer and do more things to come back in better shape.”
On if he was able to play Torrey Pines Golf Course in US Open conditions in San Diego:
“I did not, but I would be incapable of it and I would not subject myself to the disaster if I was out there (laughter).”
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