Friday’s one-liners included a reference to the fact that Browns running back Peyton Hillis believes in curses, given his struggles (self-imposed and otherwise) after landing on the cover of the Madden game.
The bigger question is whether Hillis will remain with the team in 2012, when his image surely won’t appear anywhere near the front cover, the back cover, or any other promotional materials associated with the only NFL-licensed console-based video game.
“I would love to come back here,” Hillis said, via Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal. “I’m a Cleveland Brown at heart. Since I’ve been here, I fell in love with the fans, the city and the people that live here. They’ve been nothing but 100 percent supportive through everything when I talk to ‘em. It’s good to have a second family backing [you] like that.”
Whether Browns management remains a member of Peyton’s first or second or third or any family remains unknown. Coach Pat Shurmur, while acknowledging that a 112-yard effort from Hillis against the Ravens was “the Peyton I think everybody here is used to seeing,” wouldn’t say whether the team plans to keep Hillis.
Look for Hillis to hit the open market in March, unencumbered by the franchise tag or any other restriction. Then, the question will be whether any other team will offer him the kind of money he wants – and whether the Browns would offer anything close to what any other team may offer Hillis.
Given the veteran market at tailback, which has become the most fungible position on the field other than long snapper, holder, punter, and kicker, his best bet may be to take a one-year deal and try again in 2012 to prove that he deserves more financial security for 2013 and beyond. And if that’s how it turns out, he can blame it on the Madden curse.
I don’t think the Browns feel the same way.
Nobody “wants” to stay in Cleveland.
Hillis’ 2011 contract paid him $ 600K, which he thought wasn’t nearly enough and made himself
“unavailable” to the Browns. Why should the Browns care what Hillis wants? Go away and pretend that you’re injured in the IFL or hobble along on the sidelines of some middle school.
Ha we all know that’s not going to happen. Shouldn’t have milked an injury, Peyton. You showed the team you cared about money over them and I’m sure they’ll struggle welcoming you back with open arms.
With Thomas Jones on his last legs, Hillis would be a great compliment to a returning Jamaal Charles & Le’Ron McClain in Kansas City. He’d look like a beast in #40 for the Red & Gold.
Hillis is a beast!
The Browns have been circling the drain for over a decade and it doesn’t look to be getting any better. Big ups to Hillis for the kind words about Cleveland and the fans though
I wouldnt say long snapper and holder are that fungible. u can plug in another rb and despite them not knowing all plays 1000%, they can still make an impact if not an improvement.
special skills and pressure on LS and holders. and, screw it up, and i dont do that anymore. flawed LS tend to get cut, also.
Before the season started Hillis said the Madden curse was a bunch of BS.
Do not taunt the Madden curse!
Look for Snyder and the Redskins to go after him.
Stay with the Browns? He better worry about staying in the NFL.