BEREA: Andy Lee had hoped to retire as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
The three-time Pro Bowler had been the organization’s longest-tenured player and the most accomplished punter in franchise history. He had worn the same baseball cap featuring the 49ers logo to practice for the past 10 years, undeterred by the holes and faded color.
The 32-year-old Lee readily admits he’s usually “not a big proponent of change.”
However, the most significant change of Lee’s NFL career -- being traded to the Browns on June 6 in exchange for a 2017 seventh-round draft pick -- is actually a welcome distraction for him and his family.