I'M PISSED!The Browns announced the release of veteran wide receiver Joe Jurevicius Wednesday night.
A veteran of 10 NFL seasons who grew up in Northeast Ohio rooting for the Browns, Jurevicius signed with his hometown team prior to 2006. He was a key contributor in 2006 and 2007 but missed all of 2008 while recuperating from multiple knee procedures.
He had another procedure in December and said then he hoped to return for 2009.
"These types of decisions are always difficult ones, especially with someone like Joe, who has meant a great deal to the Cleveland Browns organization and to the fans of Cleveland," Browns General Manager George Kokinis said."Eric (Mangini) and I have had extensive conversations with Joe and his representatives.In the end we were unable to reach an agreement that was in the best interests of both parties.We want to thank Joe for his contributions to the Browns and wish him the best of luck in the future."
For his career, he has caught 323 passes for 4,119 yards and 29 touchdowns. He's played in three Super Bowls - with the Giants, Bucs and Seahawks - and also won a state championship at Mentor Lake Catholic High School before playing at Penn State.
He caught 40 passes for 495 yards and 3 touchdowns with the Browns in 2006, and he caught 50 passes for 614 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2007.
Joe was one of the best-loved Browns players. He has always played with a ton of heart. I know I'm not the only one who felt that the 2008 season might have had better results had Joe been able to play. I was certainly looking forward to him returning to the field later this year. Well, I suppose he still will, just with another team. Good luck to you, Joe. You deserved better than this.
[view from my seat]
