The Cleveland Browns have trotted out the old phrases the past couple weeks, many of them heard often in Cleveland over the years.
"We’ll find out what we’re made of."
"Adversity breeds character."
"We have a lot to play for."
All the sayings that struggling teams use.
But another phrase applies to the 2-7 Browns: Being a professional means doing your best when you feel your worst.
At this point of a difficult season, the outside view says that it would be difficult for players not to be discouraged.
But one Browns player explained why that can’t happen, and in doing so explained what it truly means to be professional.