Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns have not done much winning in recent seasons, at least when it comes to the product on the field.
But off the field? That is a different story, as the franchise is one of four finalists for the ESPY’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award.
The 12th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards honors “athletes, teams, leagues and members of the sports industry who use the power of sport to make a positive impact on society,” according to a press release from ESPN.
Cleveland is nominated for its work through Browns Give Back to create youth sports infrastructure initiatives that have expanded access to safe play spaces and opportunities across the region.
Since creating its Field Projects initiative in 2016, the Browns have completed 17 synthetic turf field installations across Northeast Ohio, with two additional projects underway. These spaces serve as more than athletic facilities, functioning as year-round hubs for youth development, education and community engagement, according to the press release.
In addition, beginning in 2014, the Browns have invested more than $23 million in youth football initiatives, helping drive a 163 percent increase in youth football participation across the region since 2020.
Team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said being nominated is a positive reflection on everyone involved in the projects, according to a statement released on the team’s website:
“Being named a finalist for the ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award is a tremendous honor that reflects the dedication of everyone involved, from our staff, our players, our partners, and most importantly, the communities we serve. Our family is so proud to call Northeast Ohio home and more motivated than ever to continue investing in the young people who make this region so special.”
The other finalists include the Baltimore Ravens, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm.
The 2026 ESPYS will air live on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream on the ESPN App.
