The Cleveland Browns hosted an open practice at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, August 8, 2021.
Fans were invited to attend, but no one could have expected how many showed up.
40,000 #Browns fans at open practice at First Energy Stadium today.
Yesterday’s #Indians game had 24,500
— Don Fowler (@donf0615) August 8, 2021
40,000 fans were there.
You think #Browns fans are really truly believing? Season tickets are completely sold out, the waitlist for season tickets is >5000 and very few single game tickets are available. Oh, and 40,000 people collected tickets for today’s open practice at First Energy Stadium. pic.twitter.com/pA8b78CKR0
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) August 8, 2021
That is absolutely amazing and speaks to the loyalty of this fan base to a team that is on the rise.
By the way, the weather was not great; the practice was delayed, but that did not discourage anyone from staying put and waiting out the weather.
It’s raining, practice is delayed and #Browns fans are doing the wave. pic.twitter.com/xkEidI0nYw
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) August 8, 2021
The fan excitement and enthusiasm was felt by the players including Mack Wilson who shot video of the scene leading into the stadium.
#Browns fans waiting for the gates to open at First Energy Stadium
(Via Mack Wilson / IG) pic.twitter.com/CVxv7Sy7eb— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) August 8, 2021
The fans showed out today.. 🧡🤎 #CLE
— MWS (@MackWilSr) August 8, 2021
Our practice is better than some teams game day. #browns pic.twitter.com/wPHBgiBa9K
— Anastasia (@WVUOU) August 8, 2021
Baker Mayfield Was Overwhelmed
The scene was overwhelming, and Mayfield summed it up well.
When addressing the crowd, he said:
“I don’t know anywhere else in the country that would have this many fans out here for a practice so we appreciate you guys. … We’ve been working, we’re setting a new standard and these guys are ready to rock for you guys.”
Kevin Stefanski hands the mic to his QB. Baker Mayfield addresses the crowd. And #Browns fans go nuts. Inside Training Camp on @nflnetwork – tune in! pic.twitter.com/SxYEWCgrlk
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) August 8, 2021
The Missing Piece In 2020
The Browns had a fantastic season in 2020.
That 11-5 record was a pleasant surprise, but the fans had to watch from afar.
FirstEnergy Stadium was empty and quiet because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fans have so much pent-up excitement.
It is not surprising they showed up in force when they finally got an opportunity to do so.
Mayfield In 2021
Baker Mayfield enters 2021 with plenty of expectations on his shoulders.
He is expected to perform better than last year.
Mayfield is motivated beyond measure to deliver.
He wants to quell the naysayers that believe this team will win in spite of him.
On top of that is the looming contract extension.
It likely will not happen this offseason so the 2021 season will be on his resume when negotiations happen.
He says winning is all that matters, and that is certainly true.
The rest will take care of itself for Mayfield and the Browns.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Has Brutal Answer When Asked About His Contract
