As Browns fans gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day, and training camp is just around the corner, with football season fast approaching, here’s a list of ways no one asked for it and how to daydream about America’s most popular sport on America’s birthday.
Have you ever wondered which Browns player represents your favorite Fourth of July barbecue dish? Now you know.
Dependable. Basically, it’s not a barbecue without burgers and hot dogs, which is why they’re such staples at Independence Day barbecues. If it’s a burger (or cheeseburger) or a hot dog, you can pretty much expect most of the partygoers to have one, just like there’s no one who doesn’t like chubs. Needless to say, the idea that the main protein source at the party would represent chubs makes a lot of sense, because, in case you didn’t realize it, chubs have a strong personality.
This seems appropriate considering Eagles cornerback Darius Slay recently called Cooper the most underrated wide receiver in the NFL. Potato salad is a Fourth of July staple, but it gets overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of many other items on the menu. But that doesn’t make it any less important to the overall menu.
I don’t know why, but there’s something JOK about crunchy street corn to me. Good street corn should have a slightly charred, juicy flavor, the qualities that an athletic linebacker brings to the game of football, playing with an edge and bringing energy to Cleveland’s defense. You can’t go wrong with a little street corn as part of this smorgasbord.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) celebrates a successful tackle during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin – USA TODAY Sports/Scott Galvin – USA TODAY Sports
Macaroni and cheese can often be the star of the dish if done right, so pairing it with Garrett — who is often the Browns’ star, and when he’s the star, it’s really good — is fitting, except without the breadcrumbs.
Nothing says offensive lineman like a hot bowl of baked beans. This just seems too perfect. Just as Bitonio anchors one of the best offensive lines in football, baked beans anchor the Fourth of July menu. And while Bitonio is a very intense guy on the front line, he’s also very charismatic off the field, which matches the sweet and savory flavor you’d expect from baked beans.
Dips are always a bit of a wild card. With so many varieties to choose from, you have to pick the one that best complements your meal. That being said, buffalo chicken dip seems to have become a staple on the menu at holiday get-togethers. This is a lot like Njoku, who has become the go-to weapon for the Cleveland offense when they need a first down or a big play. Not only that, but Njoku called the Browns’ new offense under offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey “spicy.” And, to be honest, Njoku himself is a bit “spicy.”
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) jumps to avoid being tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Tyriq Stephenson (29) during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, December 17, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin – USA TODAY Sports/Scott Galvin – USA TODAY Sports
An American tradition. Stefanski has proven himself to be a very American coach during his first four years in Cleveland, and he holds the Browns locker room together like a sweet apple pie holds an entire barbecue menu together.
