The Cleveland Browns’ season has been filled with frustration, inconsistency, and far too many mistakes. Few areas are under more scrutiny than special teams, where the unit’s mistakes have become a weekly concern. That made one recent development stand out.
While the unit as a whole has not shown improvement, one particular player has, even despite his early struggles.
Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone offered public praise for kicker Andre Szmyt, acknowledging the work he has put in and the growth he has shown as the season has progressed.
According to Scott Petrak, Ventrone said Szmyt has worked extremely hard, been very consistent every day, and has definitely improved as the season has gone along.
“Browns ST coordinator Bubba Ventrone on K Andre Szmyt: He’s worked extremely hard, been very consistent every day, definitely improved as the season’s gone along,” Ventrone said.
Browns ST coordinator Bubba Ventrone on K Andre Szmyt: He's worked extremely hard, been very consistent every day, definitely improved as the season's gone along.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) January 1, 2026
Szmyt’s start to the season did not go as planned. He missed some key field goals that proved to be the difference in some early games.
However, he’s showing the ability to put those early struggles behind him and has responded in the second-half of the season for the Browns.
In Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Szmyt delivered two key field goals.
Szmyt’s improvement will not grab headlines the way touchdowns or sacks do. But it should not be overlooked. In close games, consistency in the kicking game can be the difference between wins and losses.
And on Sunday, it was.
Recognition like this is earned. Andre Szmyt has earned it the hard way.
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