Cleveland Browns 2010 Season: Yearly Optimism Binds Browns Fans Together

The Cleveland Browns are set to start another regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and Browns fans across the world have that little thing called optimism kicking into high-gear right now.

This is a very common thing to happen to Browns fans since the rebirth of the franchise in 1999.

Having only one playoff appearance and two seasons of winning records in 11 years would turn most fan bases against their beloved team and they would go follow a bandwagon team like the Dallas Cowboys or the more recent Super Bowl champion.

Not in Cleveland, and not for Browns fans.

As Josh Cribbs has said a million times since he has been the orange helmet, "Browns fans are die-hard fans."

So true.

In 11 seasons and through all the drama, disappointment, and turmoil that has plagued the franchise during that time, the Browns have yet to have a blacked-out game from television.

Have there been some close calls?

Yes, especially during the horrid 2009 season, but either the team or other businesses banded together to prevent any black-outs and continue a very impressive run for a less-than-stellar team.

Not too many, if any, other NFL teams can say they have a fan base that is as loyal as the Browns fans are.

To be able to prevent a black-out when a team is bad is very hard, but the Browns fans still continue to fill up Cleveland Browns Stadium year in and year out.

That goes along wit the optimism.

Every year Browns fans have that hope and optimistic views that their team will be better and wins games and perhaps make the playoffs.

Browns fans optimism is like The Force in the Star Wars films.

"The Force is what gives a [Browns fan his/her] power. It's an energy field created by all...things [Browns-related]. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds [all Browns fans]  together."

Well perhaps it wasn't said like that in the film, but you understand the point that optimism is what keeps Browns fans going and drives them to fill the stadium seats every year.

Without optimism, then the Browns would not be the team that they are and represent what they do in and for the city of Cleveland.

Whether it is saying the Jake Delhomme will be an NFL Comeback Player of the Year candidate based on the preseason performance.

Or saying the James Davis will have a break out year and lead the Browns in rushing in 2010.

Or Eric Wright will become a top five cornerback in the NFL this season.

They are all part of the process of being a Browns fan.

I am one down to my bones and I do all of these things too.

That what what us true fans and the best fan base in the NFL in my opinion.

Let the games begin and go Browns!

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(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog)