Brian Hartline issues thank you to Dolphins fans with Billboard
Brian Hartline paid for a billboard to personally think Dolphins fans for their support.
On March 9th, 2015 the Cleveland Browns signed free agent wide receiver Brian Hartline to a two year $6 million deal. This came just a week and a half after the Miami Dolphins released the six year NFL veteran in a cost-cutting move. Hartline, however, does not appear to hold any hostility towards the city, or its fans.
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In fact, the 2009 fourth round pick out of Ohio State recently took out some ad space in the form of a billboard. The cause; to thank Dolphins fans for all of their support throughout his six season run with the organization.
From 2009-2014, Hartline produced increasingly solid numbers for Miami, which were highlighted with consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons from 2012-2013.
Though his totals slipped last year, he remains a solid option for Cleveland’s receiving core, especially with the one year suspension dealt to pro-bowler Josh Gordon in the offseason.
So it took a little longer then expected but I wanted to thank as many Dolphins Fans as possible. So Thank You! pic.twitter.com/GWNtnEXYbZ
— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) March 31, 2015
He will be heading to a Browns team that is ultimately in the rebuilding stages of things, following a disappointing 7-9 campaign. 2014 started with promise for the once competitive franchise, however, after a 6-3 first place start, the team lost six of its final 7 games to, once again, find themselves in the cellar of the AFC North.
As for who will be throwing Hartline the ball next season, that remains to be seen, as no clear favorite has emerged. Last year’s starter, Brian Hoyer, left in free agency for the Houston Texans, while backup Johnny Manziel is doubtful to earn the starting nod in 2015. The team did sign veteran Josh McCown from Tampa Bay, however, he was largely ineffective for a dismal Buccaneers team the previous season.
With the 12th overall selection in this year’s draft, Cleveland could move up and make a play for 2014 Heisman Trophy Award winner, Marcus Mariota, a move that many pundits anticipate the franchise will attempt to complete.
Problems for the team extend to an offensive line with tremendous holes to repair, as well as a relatively average run game that will likely increase the pressure on whomever is under center for Cleveland in 2015.
Regardless, it is nice to see a situation involving a long time franchise player ending amicably, rather than what fans have had to deal with in the ongoing LeSean McCoy debacle.
For his career, Hartline has caught 298 passes for 4,243 yards and 12 touchdowns.
H/T Brian Hartline via Twitter
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