The Cleveland Browns are set to honor two players heading into retirement. The Browns will sign the two players to a one-day contract so they can retire as members of the team.
The Cleveland Browns are set to retire two players
Per a statement by the Browns, wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey are set to retire from the league:
“We are thrilled that Rashard and Christian wanted to come back and retire as Cleveland Browns,” said JW Johnson. “Both players obviously made an impact on the field, but they each made a lasting impression in the Cleveland community as well. It’s a testament to who they are as individuals, and we are honored to have them retire as part of our Browns family.”
Rashard Higgins was a favorite in Cleveland
The Browns selected Rashard ‘Hollywood’ Higgins in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He caught 137 passes for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career. He played with the Browns for six seasons before joining the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Per the Browns statement, Higgins was a team favorite and made contributions to the city of Cleveland:
Higgins was extremely active in the Cleveland community volunteering at numerous youth football, military appreciation and Special Olympics events. He made a direct impact on the youth of Cleveland during school visits and organized bowling events to unite the community.
Christian Kirksey won a major NFL honor twice
The Browns selected Kirksey in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played with the Browns through the 2019 season. He spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills.
Kirksey recorded 726 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his NFL career. Per the Browns, he earned Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year twice:
He was named the Browns 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and also the Texans 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, earning the rare distinction of being the nominee of two different teams for one of the league’s most prestigious awards. Kirksey was also voted by the Cleveland media as the 2016 PFWA Dino Lucarelli Good Guy award winner.
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