An open letter to J.J. Watt

By STEVE KING

Dear J.J.:

Hi! How are you?

You’ve tweeted that it will take some time for you to pick a new team and a new city. That’s certainly understandable since this is a big, big decision for you, and really, everybody involved. You want to get it right. As such, then, we all have to wait patiently. There’s no rush. The previous season just ended and the new one — the regular season, at.least — doesn’t start for seven months. So there’s plenty of time.
But as you mull over everything, we just wanted to ask you to keep the Browns in mind. They are reportedly still in the mix, and that’s great. It’s great for the Browns. It’s great for their fans. And it’s great for Northeast Ohio. They would all love to see you sign with the Browns.
That’s the case, though, with every team, every fanbase and every community.
So, what makes the Browns stand out from the crowd? Why should you choose them?
They have a great young team and a great young quarterback, both of which are only going to get better. Last season’s playoff appearance — and victory, advancing them to the AFC divisional round, where they lost a game to the Kansas City Chiefs that they easily could have won — is just the start. The offense is full of talent, but for the Browns to get to where they want to go — winning a Super Bowl championship — the defense is going to have to catch up. One of the biggest needs is for an All-Pro defensive end to play opposite of Myles Garrett. Having both of you on the line would be a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. Garrett also needs a mentor. And the defense needs a leader in the worst way.
If all this sounds like a perfect fit for you, well, it is. And if it appears you check all the boxes, well, you do.
But the best part about the Browns is the town, and community, in which they are based. This is football country through and through — there is a reason that the Pro Football Hall of Fame is located just down the road — and this is Browns country through and through. These people love the Browns. And when they win, as they did last season, the relationship between the team and town gets even stronger. There is nothing like it anywhere else.
And this is a friendly community overall. The people are warm and welcoming, no matter who you are or where you’re from. You’d blend right in while you stand out with the Browns.
We look forward to your decision, and if you pick the Browns, you won’t regret it for a moment.