Cleveland Browns’ Helmet Unveiling Sinks as Videographer Falls into Lake Erie

The Cleveland Browns’ latest attempt to make a splash with their new alternate helmet took a literal turn on Wednesday when a videographer tumbled into Lake Erie during the grand unveiling. The team had set up an elaborate floating display on the lake, complete with an inflatable replica of the new helmet, which will be worn with orange-lettered brown uniforms for three games this season. But the real headline wasn’t the gear—it was the unexpected dive by the camera crew member.

Thankfully, the Browns’ mascot, Chomps, was quick on the draw, tossing a flotation device to the soggy videographer, while a jet ski zoomed in for the rescue. It was a moment of quick thinking amidst the chaos, though one has to wonder if this slip-up is a metaphor for the team’s ongoing struggles. After all, the Browns have had their share of fumbles—both on and off the field.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Cleveland fans aren’t exactly brimming with optimism. Last year’s dismal 3-14 record, compounded by quarterback Deshaun Watson’s double Achilles injuries, left the team limping. With Watson sidelined for the foreseeable future, a quarterback showdown looms at training camp, featuring veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. It’s a gamble, and in the brutal AFC North, the odds feel stacked against them.

Historically, the Browns have been chasing a title since before the Super Bowl era even started, with infamous low points like the 0-16 season in 2017. Even under coach Kevin Stefanski, who brought the team to the playoffs in 2020 for the first time since 2002, they’ve yet to break past the Divisional Round. Still, the NFL loves an underdog story. Could this be the year the Browns finally swim rather than sink? Let’s hope they’ve got more flotation devices handy.