CLEVELAND, Ohio — David Njoku’s last official act as a Cleveland Brown was placing an imaginary crown on the head of “King” Myles Garrett after he set the NFL single season sack record in the seaso finale against the Bengals.
On Monday, Njoku, who will become a free agent in next month, said farewell to the Browns and his fans in an Instagram post:
“Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m am so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home❤️ #ChiefOut
The Friday before the season finale, when Kevin Stefanski probably knew he was about to be fired, he made his feelings known about Njoku, the Browns third first-round pick in 2017.
“You guys have talked to Dave over the years, and he and I have a very unique relationship,” Stefanski said. “He thinks I didn’t like him when I first got here, which is not true. I just told him the truth and he didn’t like that.
“But to watch him mature and become a leader, the energy he brings in the building, the unbelievable plays that he’s made over the years – I always think to that fourth down versus Tampa where he was banged up on – we tried to throw him a screen the play before he got tackled, twisted his leg. So, he’s got a bum leg and he goes up and makes that catch. So, I think the world of the person. Obviously disappointed for this season and the injuries, but I think very highly of the person.”
After that Bengals game, Njoku acknowledged that he wanted to be back for a 10th season.
“I do, but it’s not up to me,” he said.
This post will be updated.
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