Cleveland’s loss ended up being Danny Shelton’s gain.
With center Alex Mack voiding his contract and bolting for Atlanta, Mack’s No. 55 was available. And Shelton, a first-round pick in 2015, pounced.
“Basically, I always wanted to be No. 55,” Shelton told reporters on Tuesday. “Obviously, Alex had it and I didn’t want to disrespect the man and ask to pay for it off of him. So, I went with 71 because I used 71 before. I just wanted to take No. 55 before anybody else could, and I just felt like I’d be the best guy to represent the number. I took that opportunity and I’m here today.”
Shelton seems to believe a special responsibility comes with the number.
“No. 55 is a number that’s been worn by a lot of great players,” Shelton said. “There’s always going to be that aspect of trying to live up to the number. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m going to focus on playing for the Browns and playing my butt off. Then, I’m also going to focus on representing this number the right way on the field and off the field. This number, it goes back to Junior Seau, obviously. He’s a guy that impacted our culture, my community. Then, it also impacts my life because my older brother wore this number, as well. Just having that alone, I feel like it strengthens me and gives me the confidence that I can represent this number the right way.”
That kind of talk has to be music to the ears of Browns fans, who are looking for something/anything that will help them feel like things are finally moving in the right direction, after years of struggles.
