Nike Keeps History Intact with "New" Cleveland Browns Jersey

 

After months of speculation on new possibilities for team colors and concepts, the NFL and Nike finally introduced the new, sleeker, Nike brand team jerseys.

The jerseys, which are lighter and more performance based than their previous Reebok counterparts, were shown off today at an event in New York City.

Representing the Cleveland Browns was cornerback Joe Haden. Haden modeled the jersey, seen in the picture to the right, for all the world to see, and as expected by many, the "new" Cleveland uniform was exactly like the "old" Browns uniform.

And that is exactly how it should be.

I know there are tons of Browns fans who wanted to see something different, especially after witnessing only white jerseys for the entire 2011 season. There were many who wanted a logo on the helmets or jerseys, new color schemes, new patterns or whatever else Nike wanted to do, as long as it was different.

But why?

Is it because you are associating the jerseys, the helmets and the color schemes with the past 13 years of losing? Is it because you just want something to change in a stagnant (so far) off season for the team you love? Or is it something totally different?

Whatever it is, I respect your opinion, but let me tell you why I feel the "new" jerseys are exactly what they should be.

Remember, this team has a history that is much, much deeper and richer than the lackluster 13 year period we have witnessed.

Players like Otto Graham, Jim Brown, Leroy Kelley and so many other hall of fame caliber players have worn these colors. The championship clubs of the 50's and 60's wore these uniforms, as did the "Kardiac Kids" and the teams that were just minutes from the Super Bowl.

The Browns are still one of the deepest and most historical franchises in the NFL, and the colors of the past should remain a part of the future.

However, the biggest reason to keep the new jerseys the same as the old ones is because of the strength and heart of this fan base.

When this team left for Baltimore, the city and the fans fought their hardest to keep the team history and colors here.

How many other cities managed to do that when their teams left?

Look at the once proud Baltimore Colts. Their team and history is now part of Indianapolis. The Houston Oilers are now a lost franchise because they took their team and colors to Tennessee where they became the Titans. The Rams have been in multiple cities and always keep the team name and colors.

Bottom line, no other city fought as hard as C-Town to keep what we have here.

Could you imagine being forced to watch the Baltimore Browns? In orange and brown, with OUR team name and history!

There is a reason we are still the Browns, that our colors are orange and brown, and that we still can call the hall of famers from long ago CLEVELAND BROWNS. That is because of one of the most powerful fan bases in pro sports.

Be thankful for what we have here in C-Town. Be thankful we, unlike other cities who lost their teams, were strong enough to keep what was rightfully ours, and be thankful that our "new" jerseys are keeping in tact what we know and love.

And if you still want to see the Browns in different jerseys, you can always root for the ratbirds in Baltimore.

Agree or disagree? Leave a comment below, or send a message to Jeremy at [e-mail], or on twitter @CTOWNSPORTSTALK.