Chapter #9 Press Conference

Good afternoon everyone, thank you for being here as we kick off another season. I know the excitement level in Cleveland is higher than it's been in years and rightfully so. This franchise is headed in the right direction.

When the questions turned to our rookie draft class, you could see the pride swelling within me. "Let me tell you, this group of young men we've added is something special," I began. "We're talking about impact players who are going to push this team over the top."

I went on to highlight some of our top selections like Chad Clifton, a raw tackle with tremendous upside to anchor our offensive line for a decade. Or Andre Coles, a big, physical receiver perfectly suited to thrive in our offensive scheme.

"Those are just a couple examples but trust me when I say, every name I call up here is going to be a key part of what we're building. Scouts loved the talent and football IQ in this class."

Someone asked if it was realistic to expect rookies to contribute heavily right away. I didn't hesitate with my response.

"Absolutely. We didn't draft these guys to sit the bench, they were picked to step right in and perform. Clifton, Coles, all of them are going to start or play huge roles from day one. That's how much faith we have in their ability."

More and more questions circled back to what my level of expectations were for this season. I could sense the undertones of doubt from some in the room. That's when I laid it all out in unambiguous terms.

"Plain and simple, I did not bring Marty Schottenheimer in here and build this roster up to merely compete. We are constructing a championship contender and anything short of the playoffs would fall short of our goals. I believe that strongly."

You could have heard a pin drop after I made that declaration in no uncertain terms. All eyes were locked on me, waiting to see if I would backtrack or show any wavering in my conviction. But there was none.

"We have upgraded our talent across the board and this coaching staff is elite. Our division is wide open for the taking. So yes, a playoff berth is a realistic expectation and I will not settle for anything less than fulfilling that potential."

The questions kept coming but my message remained unwavering. I left no room for misinterpretation - this franchise was not here to play for 8-8 seasons or barely miss the postseason. Our time had come to step into the October winner's circle.

And with that parting message to end the presser, I had sent the loudest and clearest signal yet that a new day had dawned in Cleveland. Anything less than a championship march was now unacceptable. Our time was here.

This was just the beginning of something, much, MUCH bigger.

To be continued...