We all know about the horrible fate of Browns’ first-round picks in the new era. But no less accursed is the fate of players who have actually been productive. Each year since 2001, the Cleveland chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association has identified a Player of the Year. Every single time, the honoree has met with misfortune within the very next year.
- 2001: Jamir Miller — suffered career-ending injury the next pre-season
- 2002: William Green — arrest, suspension, domestic discord during the ’03 season
- 2003: Andra Davis — tore MCL and ended ’04 season on injured reserve
- 2004: Robert Griffith — cut as a salary-cap casualty just before his roster bonus was due
- 2005: Reuben Droughns — arrested in domestic violence case.
Really, it rivals the notorious Sports Illustrated cover jinx, doesn’t it?
