The Browns have had a rocky season, which was to be expected after their starting quarterback was suspended for the majority of it. They're 6-8 and on the outside of the AFC playoff picture heading into Week 16. But they did make a late-season addition that, if nothing else, will attract a weirdly loyal fan base.
On Friday, the eve of Christmas Eve, the team signed boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul to a contract to join their social media team. The move was announced at a press conference.
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The event was what one might expect from a football team signing an influencer. Browns executive vice president J.W. Johnson tested his comedy chops in a scripted dialogue with Paul.
What will Jake Paul be doing for the Browns?
Paul's official title is junior associate content assistant, which he playfully took umbrage with because he thought he was being brought in to be a slot receiver.
Great to have you on the (social) team, @jakepaul! Bundle up and be ready to bring the 🔥 content tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ZYCNbUv2MX
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 23, 2022
Jake and his brother, Logan, are Cleveland natives and no strangers to the NFL world. Indeed, the Dolphins "hosted" Jake for a training camp visit in August.
Here's video of Erik Spoelstra and Jake Paul at Dolphins practice. Guess which one ran a route and dropped a pass? pic.twitter.com/a08sHQvDyK
— WPLG Local 10 Sports (@Local10Sports) August 17, 2022
Based on that video, it's apparent why the Dolphins didn't bring him on as a receiver.
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He did fare a little better here.
Tyreek Hill (@cheetah) told me his goal was to get @jakepaul a #Dolphins tryout so he got him to showcase hands on the JUGS machine. pic.twitter.com/DcqOwH29J9
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 15, 2022
Making this "hire" — and then making a show of it — is an interesting move by the Browns. If nothing else, extra eyes will be on the team's social media platforms. With three weeks left in the regular season, the Browns are still fighting for a playoff spot. Adding Paul will make that fight more public.
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