On Saturday Cleveland Browns fans held a parade to celebrate their 2017 season.
It was far from an ideal year for the Browns – in fact, it was as bad a season can go in the NFL, with Cleveland failing to win a single game in the 2017 campaign, finishing the year 0-16 and falling to a record of 1-31 over the past two years.
Over a decade removed from a winning season, you might think they had little to celebrate, and you’d be right. But the parade wasn’t simply a tribute to a season to ineptitude – for some fans, it was a chance at catharsis after a year without the sweet relief of a win. And in the process, Browns fans raised over $US17,000 for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a donation that will provide over 70,000 meals to those in need.
Take a look below to see some of the best signs and photos of the parade, and if you can find it in your heart, send some positive vibes to any struggling Cleveland fans you may have in your life.
The parade went around the Browns stadium and attracted around 2,500 to 3,200 people according to estimates.
Cleveland Police announce parking restrictions for 0-16 Cleveland Browns parade https://t.co/6U0KBPMFlX pic.twitter.com/A8MuKg4Gvw
— Cleveland 19 News (@cleveland19news) January 6, 2018
For a team that didn’t win a game all season, it was quite a crowd.
We have different parades around here, but I love these losers & you will too, @nbcboston 6. #BrownsParade #0-16 pic.twitter.com/PetpJ7wANF
— Kevin Walsh (@kevinwalshtv) January 6, 2018
It was a cold day in Cleveland, and somewhat depressingly, even the weather seemed to know the Browns had gone 0-16.
Perfect weather for the Browns' 0-16 parade ☠️
(????: @jdrudd) pic.twitter.com/sTYsbP6fKt
— SB Nation (@SBNation) January 6, 2018
Some of the signs at the parade were self-deprecating, mocking the sometimes futile feelings that come with fandom.
Other signs were more blatantly critical of the team and their unrivalled stretch of ineptitude.
There were fans that created clever riffs on popular football signage, such as this “defeated” poster set.
And other fans who might need to adjust their priorities.
Despite the freezing temperatures outside FirstEnergy Stadium, fans were still waiting for hell to freeze over.
Browns fans were quick to acknowledge their preseason prowess, where they went undefeated and thought briefly that brighter days might be on the horizon.
But of course, they’d end up celebrating an 0-16 season instead.
It was a bad season of biblical proportions.
http://instagr.am/p/Bdnm-_jleBa
And it set them up to receive the first overall draft pick yet again this offseason.
http://instagr.am/p/BdnxwXSBQ1V
Ohio isn’t without winners though — not only are the Cavaliers an NBA powerhouse, but the Mount Union Purple Raiders are the most dominant team in Division III football, having won 13 titles since 1996.
http://instagr.am/p/BdrCpPInzTx
The infamous Browns quarterback jersey was also in attendance, displaying the names of all 27 quarterbacks that have started for the Browns since their return to Cleveland in 1999.
http://instagr.am/p/BdqibTNno4L
Other fans opted to honour their dearth of talented quarterbacks by creating a makeshift graveyard in their honour.
http://instagr.am/p/BdoWdRSAUZf
After the Bills made the playoffs this year, the Browns now have the longest active postseason drought in the NFL, having not made it past the regular season in 15 years.
There was a parade in Cleveland for the 0-16 Browns and, well, it went about as expected. (via @mikerothstein) pic.twitter.com/doYbOL3aZM
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2018
Some suggested that the team might have a bit more success if they left the NFL.
http://instagr.am/p/BdoL1xXlVlg
While others campaigned for the firing of their head coach, Hue Jackson.
Fans cope with their misery in different ways.
There were those that believed the season should be put to rest.
Yes, that’s a casket in the #Browns 0-16 parade (via @RuiterWrongFAN) pic.twitter.com/2hnPbE4I0R
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) January 6, 2018
And others that believed the year belonged in the dumpster.
Dumpster #brownsparade pic.twitter.com/2eFjvwzSWn
— Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) January 6, 2018
But even with the 0-16 season, you have to hand it to Browns fans for sticking with their team.
To anyone who thought people wouldn’t show up at the Browns 0-16 parade…you were wrong: pic.twitter.com/bqDhdMNANC
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) January 6, 2018
Maybe a change at quarterback is all the team needs?
LeBron blames Browns for fans' 0-16 parade: 'You've got to try to fix that sh–.' https://t.co/nQp2dwNa7v pic.twitter.com/nsqAI1JT6j
— theScore (@theScore) January 7, 2018
Now wash out the Browns winless ways by checking out the impressive streak of championship games sports fans have been treated to over the past two years.
We just witnessed the greatest 24 months in sports championship history
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