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Browns' Winslow can't wait to get started
Sunday, July 20, 2008
There were times in the Cleveland Browns' off-season when it appeared Kellen Winslow might be a negative issue in 2008.
He started talking about wanting a new contract at the Super Bowl. He had another knee surgery — his fourth, at least — after the Pro Bowl.
In April, the Browns traded a future draft choice to pick a tight end, Winslow's possible successor.
Then Winslow missed all of the team's voluntary offseason practices in May and June.
But on Saturday, Winslow sounded very much like the football "warrior" beloved by his teammates.
"We have a lot to prove. I can't wait. I wish the (first) game was tomorrow," he said.
Winslow is so eager to get back to work, he jump-started his season by hosting a youth football camp this weekend at North Olmsted High School. Quarterback Ken Dorsey joined him.
In an interview at the camp, Winslow left no doubt about his dedication to his team and his career.
On the health of his right knee, severely injured in his 2005 motorcycle accident, he said, "It's been a long (time) since the accident. I still have to rehab. It's tough, but nothing's going to stop me from my dream. I'm ready.
"I think I've put in the time, the hard work, this season. My first year back, I couldn't run as much as I'd like. But last year I was in pretty good shape coming back to training camp, and I think I'm in good shape now.
"I've had (so many) operations, I don't even remember what I had. The point is, I'm ready. Nothing's going to stop me from being ready for the season and stopping my dream."
On the status of his request for a new contract, with three years remaining on his current one, he said, "It's not up to me. It's up to the Browns and my agent. They're talking. My job is to play football to the best of my ability. The only reason I want an extension: I want to be a Cleveland Brown for a long time.
"I want to be here with Romeo (Crennel, head coach) and (offensive coordinator Rob) Chudzinski and our quarterbacks and Braylon (Edwards), the whole team. I love this town."
