Gary Baxter Gets Another Shot With Browns

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I was happy to see Gary Baxter sign a one-year deal to stay with the Cleveland Browns today. Gary’s had more than his share of health problems since he arrived in Cleveland. He’s only played in eight games with the Browns since they signed him to a six-year, $30 million free agent deal in March 2005. As avid readers know, Gary’s one of my favorite players and his story is an incredible demonstration of courage and determination. When he returns to the playing field, he’ll become the first NFL player to make it back from two torn patellar tendons, the most serious of his numerous injuries over the past few years. Upon signing the contract today, Gary said:

“Both Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel brought me back and that shows a lot of loyalty and respect on the Browns’ behalf. They know how hard I’ve been working. I’m running and feeling good. I’m putting in everything I’ve got. Things are looking very positive.”

And positive is Gary’s middle name. This is a business and the Browns had no obligation to bring Gary back without any assurance of his effectiveness. This is a talented young team on the verge of the playoffs and they need every advantage they can get. Believe me, Gary is not only going to be an advantage on the field, he’ll be an advantage in the locker room as well. There couldn’t be a better example of commitment in any walk of life than what Gary Baxter’s accomplished just to walk again, let alone play a professional sport. I applaud the Browns for sticking with him. Gary will return to the team as a safety (instead of cornerback) because of the speed he’s lost in rehab. And I believe he’ll have no problem whatsoever adjusting to that position. When he was attempting a comeback last fall, I had the chance to interview him just prior to his expected return. Although he didn’t make it back last season, he plans to be ready for training camp in ‘08.