As LeBron James so famously stated when he returned to the Cavaliers a decade ago, nothing is given in Northeast Ohio.

You have to earn it.

No doubt, the people in this tough-minded, shot-and-beer region appreciate hard work, perseverance and determination. They admire those who pop right back up and keep fighting after getting knocked down.

With that, then, they’re really starting to fall in love with these Browns, who emulate all these traits. Talk about a team for the people, of the people and about the people.

That was really brought out in last Sunday’s shocking, heart-stopping 33-31 win over the Ravens in Baltimore. They fell behind 14-0 in a veritable blink of an eye and seemed to be finished, but as it turned out, they were just getting started. And when things went south at times from that point on, they simply dusted themselves off, put their head down and marched forward.

They weren’t about to be denied or dissuaded, and they weren’t.

It wasn’t easy, but that’s OK, for nothing in life is easy. Anythibg worth anything requires some sweat and blood.

That’s how it is for Northeast Ohioans. We can see ourselves in these guys with the orange hats. We feel invested in the team. It is us, personified.

There’s no better connection with a fan base than that.

And so the fact that, with the cold weather here and the games carrying increasingly more importance with each passing week, things will continue to get harder.

But that’s OK, because the Browns — the ones on the field and the ones in spirit in the stands and at home watching on TV, would have it no other way.

Steve King