The Browns won the award for clinching a playoff spot despite facing a series of adversity throughout the 2023-2024 season.
CLEVELAND — It was a moment that almost seemed unobtainable as the Cleveland Browns were riddled with season-ending injuries throughout their season.
The Cleveland Browns were awarded the 2023 Best Moment in Cleveland Sports at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Tuesday night for clinching a playoff spot despite facing a series of adversity throughout the 2023-2024 season.
The honor was presented by Nathan Zegura and Chris Rose to Browns’ guard Joel Bitonio, who accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Earlier in the night, DE Myles Garrett was also recognized, being named Professional Athlete of the Year.
Prior to this year’s AFC Wild Card game, the Browns had only made it to the playoffs two times since 1999.
Heading into the season, many had high expectations for the Browns as QB Deshaun Watson would finally be able to play a full season for the team. Those hopes diminished when RB Nick Chubb was injured during a Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet again, the Browns playoff hopes were crushed when the team announced that Watson would undergo season-ending shoulder surgery in November.
Following Watson’s injury, the hero of the team ended up being none other than former rival QB Joe Flacco.
During “Thursday Night Football,” Flacco and the Browns demolished the Jets 37-20, earning the team a spot in the playoffs and the club’s 11th win of the season.
“I think that Thursday night against the Jets was not just special for us but for the organization but really across the city and our fanbase. The level of excitement and electricity honestly can’t be replicated,” said Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry.
Despite losing in the first round of the NFL Playoffs against the Houston Texans, Berry has high hopes for the team in 2024.
“Moving forward, our goal every year is to win the division, and we really want to have more of these special moments to share with our fans on a yearly basis,” said Berry on Tuesday night.