Browns Fans Try to Stay Positive Ahead of Matchup with Cowboys

Let’s face facts, the Cleveland Browns haven’t given fans anything to cheer for consistently since parachute pants and Members Only jackets were in style.

Since their return to the league in 1999, the Browns have only produced four winning seasons. And of those 25 seasons, 16 of them finished dead last in their division.

So, to say that Browns fans are long-suffering may be an understatement.

The Athletic conducted a survey of Browns fans about their hopes for the upcoming season. Let’s just say, the 25+ years of being downtrodden is starting to take its toll.

"I’ve been a Browns fan too long to be optimistic about anything," one Browns fan said. "Plus, Deshaun Watson has shown hardly anything since the trade."

That’s understandable. 12 below-average games across two seasons isn't going to cut it for the die-hard Brownies.

"The roster, especially the defense, has way too much talent not to get double-digit wins and make the playoffs," said the fan. "Will we win the Super Bowl? No chance Deshaun Watson has that in him.

“Bummer we’re wasting such a fantastic defensive run with him at QB, but as a lifelong Browns fan, winning double-digit games is something to enjoy."

Related: Packers' Jordan Love Injury: Is Browns QB a Trade Option for Green Bay?

Fans can certainly be harsh. And maybe some fans feel that maybe their lot in life is being punished by the man upstairs. "God hates the Browns,” another fan said.

Can the Browns turn those frowns upside down? A win at home on Sunday would be a good start.

Cleveland is hosting the Dallas Cowboys at Huntington Bank Field in the FOX NFL Game of the Week. Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady will be making his broadcasting debut, and all eyes will be on Cleveland.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.