To some, he was a fan-friendly stalwart of the new Browns. To others, an egotistical braggart. To some, he was an overachieving playmaker who leads the new Browns in interceptions. To others, he was a step slow and not a sure enough tackler. To some, he was Butch’s pet. To others, he was tough for any coach to manage.
To me, Earl Little, the veteran safety who was released last week, was all of that. He was also the most quotable Browns player, by far, of the new era. For that alone, he will be missed. Or not.
Here’s a small sampling of Little’s mouth in action:
On Chris Palmer’s coaching staff and the 1999 Phil Dawson FG to beat the Steelers
Teaching sportsmanship to Hines Ward: “I could have passed away.”
Second-guessing the crashing Jets
On the need for discretion in public comments
On Jamal Lewis’ pre-game prediction
The “most disgusting feeling” he’s ever had
Publicly lobbying for the Pro Bowl
Helping PHD defend Warren G. Hardly: “This could be his breakout year.”
One team he won’t be signing with
On Chad Johnson’s Pepto-Bismol
On Butch Davis’ departure: “Guys come and go in this business.”
On Corey Dillon getting the chance to gain 100 yards in last year’s blowout over the Browns
How a tight end scored from 72 yards out: “I don’t want to throw anybody under the bus, but …”
On the season-ending defensive performance at Houston: “I’m not going to lie. Where was this all year?”
