CLEVELAND — Before he was a famous actor and game show host, Drew Carey was just a kid from Cleveland.
“Every Sunday, the Browns were on at my house,” he said.
He recounts memories of his dad and uncle, beers in hand, yelling at the TV.
Born in 1958, Carey enjoyed a few years of championship-level football from the Browns before they fell into a slump in the mid-70s. He watched as they saw a resurgence under the leadership of Bernie Kosar, and wallowed with the rest of the fanbase during the dismal 0-16 season.
But through it all, he stuck by the team. And now, he sees something special in this current squad.
“The thing I like about this team that’s playing now this year is, win or lose, the other team knows it’s been in a football game, like they don’t just give it away.”
It’s a philosophy the team has embraced: from rebounding after a disappointing season-opening blowout against the Ravens to dominating the rival Steelers in Cleveland’s first playoff appearance in 18 years.
“They’re gonna earn everything and that seems to be the team’s approach, and I’m really happy about that,” he said. “Every sports team should play with authority, like we can win this game, and if you’re not willing to do that, then just don’t play.”
Ahead of Sunday’s big game against the Super Bowl-defending Kansas City Chiefs, Carey has a message for the team: “Keep doing what you’re doing, man. As long as you’re out there doing your best and playing how you’re playing with the attitude you have, you’re going to have everybody’s respect.”
