News

AKRON, OH (JULY 18, 2010) Cleveland sports fans are looking for an heir to LeBron James’ vacant throne, and Browns Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs embraces the idea of becoming their new king.

No, Cribbs doesn’t want to be featured on a mural in downtown Cleveland like James was before he chose to leave the Cavaliers and join the Miami Heat. But he doesn’t have a problem with becoming the most beloved sports figure in Northeast Ohio, either.

“I embrace it because I feel like some of the values I hold strong to myself are the same values that the city should hold strong to itself, and (it does),” Cribbs said Friday in a phone interview with the Akron Beacon Journal. “Not being drafted and coming from the bottom to reach the top is something that speaks for itself, and I think that’s what Cleveland is. . . . It’s one of the most loved cities and one of the most hard-working cities.”

Since James’ infamous decision, sports talk radio and Web sites have been buzzing about Cribbs, a Kent State University graduate, supplanting James as the area’s most popular athlete. Cribbs even took part in the conversation this past week via Twitter, when he posted a doctored picture of himself adorning the Landmark Office Tower, where a gigantic Nike banner of James hung for years across the street from the arena.

“I’m hurt. I would have loved to see (James) still be in a Cavaliers uniform and still root for him while he’s at the Q,” Cribbs said. “But I wish him the best.”

Although Cribbs concedes he was entertained by the picture on Twitter, he has other ideas for replacement murals.

“It should be something that signifies the city altogether,” Cribbs said. “Some people even on Twitter have said, ‘We don’t need a poster.’ But most people were feeling like they did because it feels like a void is there. But I think it should be something that unites the city, (a sign that reads) ‘Believeland’ or something like that, or a collective collage of all the sports or all the blue-collar people in Cleveland pulling together to reach one goal.”

As for the Browns and their goals as they prepare for the first full-squad practice of training camp on July 31, Cribbs said he and his teammates want to provide their fans with comfort by improving upon the team’s 5-11 record from last season. After all, Cribbs still believes he owes Browns fans for their support during his tumultuous contract negotiations that ultimately resulted in a restructured deal.

“I think we can rally around that idea (of lifting the fans’ spirits) and rally around our win streak that we went on last year,” said Cribbs, who also plays receiver and, on occasion, quarterback in the Wildcat formation. “Coming off the end of the season last year with a four-game win streak, that will give us momentum going into this season as well as the city thirsting for wins.

“I think we can rally off a compilation of things. It’s time for us to win, especially with (Browns President Mike) Holmgren coming in and (coach Eric) Mangini putting his (mark on the team). I think it’s a very good opportunity for us to grab hold of.”

About All Pro Sports & Entertainment, Inc.

All Pro Sports & Entertainment, Inc. is a world-class sports management firm that specializes in the representation of sports professionals.  With a valued reputation and commitment to our clients’ careers, APSE has the privilege of representing several of the most respected and celebrated names in sports.  Our clients range from athletes, coaches and broadcasters in various sports.   The extensive scope accommodates us with an unparalleled awareness of the industry’s pulse, which helps us proactively position our clients to prosper from emerging trends.