Clevelend Browns - Please give Tony Washington: OT - Abilene Christian; a chance

Dear Mr. Holmgren,

I am a Cleveland Browns fan, and avid NFL draft enthusiast.  As many other fans, I am very happy with the offseason additions made to the Browns, and am excited about our recent draft.  However, I believe we missed a great opportunity in the free agency period to sign a young man with a world of potential.  The man I reference is Tony Washington; OT - Abilene Christian.  I understand that Washington come with some significant baggage in relation to a prior conviction for a sexually oriented offense, which requires him to be a lifetime registrant.  However, when ones examines youth sexual offenders; it is clear the rate of recidivism is extremely low.  Moreover, Washington has shown substantial courage and character to be completely forthright about his past, and has shown considerable maturity that clearly surpasses his young age.

I understand that taking on a "risk" such as Washington is a very controversial move.  However, I believe his attitude couple with his football skills well warrant the "risk."  Washington, as I am sure you know, is an athletic OT with fantastic size and strength.  Washington is somewhat limited in terms of experience, and has still shown an immense amount of potential and skill.  Further, the Browns are in need of a RT for the future.

I believe the Cleveland Browns would be a perfect place for Tony Washington for several reasons.  First, we have one of the best young OT's in the game in Joe Thomas for him to learn behind.  Thomas can teach Washington how to be a professional.  Second, we also have a strong coaching staff lead by Eric Mangini who know how to reinforce the fundamentals of the game, together with their no nonsense approach to attitude and being a team player.  Finally, the team has a strong cast of veteran players to help lead a young player such as Washington.

Although, I am sure you have done a substantial amount of research on Washington; I would like to attach an article I found telling.  http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5497517. The part of the article I found telling was that Washington is still investing his entire life into football despite his dream all but being crushed.  He isn't getting lazy and fat, he isn't getting down on himself, he is working hard and still dreaming.

I believe that Browns fans will support Washington, particularly if he becomes a solid OT like I believe he will.

Sincerely,

Scott Hoffman, and other Browns' fans signed below

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