Browns history: Former receiver, linebacker to sign, retire as Browns

Rashard Higgins and Christian Kirksey return the Cleveland to retire as Browns

Two former Cleveland Browns players have decided to return to the city and sign 1-day contracts to retire as members of the team.

Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins was selected by the Browns in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He accumulated 137 receptions for 1890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 career games with Cleveland from 2016-2021.

He was very active in the community throughout his 6 seasons with the team, volunteering in various programs for area schools, youth football camps, and Special Olympic events.

Christian Kirksey, the Browns’ 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He appeared in 73 games with the team between 2014-2019 and accumulated 463 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He served as a team captain for three consecutive seasons as well from 2017-2019.

Kirksey was also heavily involved in the community during his time in Cleveland and created the “Kirkoland Foundation”, which encourages social equality and inspires individuals to be proud of who they are as human beings.

Both of these players are the epitome of what model citizens are and what every Cleveland Browns player strives to be. The city of Cleveland and team alike are honored and privileged to have these two individuals end their careers as part of the organization.

What are some of your favorite on-field memories of Rashard Higgins and Christian Kirksey? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.