Cleveland Browns Defensive Players Receive Dog Bone Charms as Reward

Cleveland Browns defensive players have some extra motivation to make big plays.

According to Kevin Jones of ClevelandBrowns.com, Browns defensive coaches have given each of their players spiked black dog collars. When a player makes a "Play Like a Brown" play, he is rewarded with a dog bone for his collar.

This concept is similar to helmet stickers—such as the Buckeye stickers that Ohio State hands out to players—that some college teams use. 

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Unlike the college sticker system, fans won't see the dog bones on the field.

Right before the 2014 season began, the Browns' defensive coaches decided that this would be the rewards system that they would use this year. After each game, no matter the outcome, the coaching staff awards dog bones.

Of course, sacks and interceptions are ways that players can earn dog bones. However, those aren't the only ways.

“On the defensive line, it can be taking two at the point of attack for a linebacker to scrape free over the top,” Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil said. “It could be a defensive back doing a great job of jamming a receiver so he doesn’t even get into his route.”

Browns defenders have bought into the idea, which helps create internal competition among the players. That type of competition can help lead to better results on the field.

Cleveland is trying to change its culture, and this concept is one way to try to do so.