Famous Words That Killed A Franchise: Drew Carey

If you have been living under a rock for over 20 years, the Cleveland Browns have been bad to mediocre to a little bit above mediocre. Despite all of this, the franchise has a fanbase that is considered one of the loyal in all of professional sports. Several famous celebrities have been known to be loyal Browns fans. One of these celebrities is all-world comedian Drew Carey.

Before I get to him, let's start from the beginning.....or the end, if you will.

In 1995, Art Modell committed the ultimate sin in the eyes of the citizens of Northeast Ohio and legions of Browns across the country. He moved the franchise to Baltimore. It wasn't like how Robert Irsay moved the Colts from Baltimore in the middle of the night, but Modell really stuck it to them, in their minds, of course. In the final game of their existence, fans at the old Cleveland Stadium began ripping seats out and tossing garbage onto the field. Make a note of that since this will happen years later during a crucial game against Jacksonville where the refs flubbed up a replay review and fans began to chuck beer bottles at them. After a couple years, the NFL decided to expand and choose Cleveland as the next expansion team. As a bonus, they were able to keep their colors as the old Browns transformed into the Baltimore Ravens. In 1999, it was all coming to fruition. THE CLEVELAND BROWNS ARE BACK!

Around 1999, Drew Carey had a hit sitcom on ABC called "The Drew Carey Show". Carey was at an all-time high as his show was successful and his beloved Browns were returning. So at the inaugural game of the franchise at the sparkling new Cleveland Browns Stadium, they asked Carey to say some inspiring words to fire up the crowd. So he said......

"I want to send a message. A message to everyone who ever made fun of Cleveland. A message to everyone who ever told a Cleveland joke or laughed at a Cleveland joke. You can now officially, SHUT UP! We're here to play football, baby! And if you came here to get blown out, you can turn around and get out.

And he would shout "Cleveland Rocks" several times and introduced the team. It seemed like a harmless rah-rah speech, but it really foreshadowed the future. The Browns, did indeed, get blown out in this game against the Pittsburgh Steelers 43-0. Cleveland gained a little over 40 yards of total offense and two first downs.....in the entire game! Yes, it was their game ever, but..... After that, the Browns were the team that everyone will make fun of and tell jokes about.

Now, Carey dropped a lot of lbs. and replaced the legendary Bob Barker on the daytime game show, The Price Is Right. He is still loyal to his beloved Cleveland and occasionally shows up to Indians, Cavs and of course, Browns games.

Carey used a speech to kick off a new franchise. Unfortunately, he foresaw the bad this franchise will endure. But not really.

(Photo by Shutterstock)

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