After he received a mention in the Chow, I decided to refresh my memory on the story of Steve Everitt. That led me to this article, written by Greg Popelka, which reminded me of just how awesome he was, and how loyal to the Cleveland Browns. Since writing is not exactly my strong suit I thought I'd insert this little snippet that paints a very clear picture of Everitt's stance on the move to Baltimore. I encourage you to follow the link and read the rest of the story.

Steve Everitt was one of the many Browns players who were swept up in the crazy emotions of Art Modell's move of the team to Baltimore. Everitt had bought a home near Cleveland in the fall of 1995, and he said that David Modell went out of his way to congratulate him. This was while the Modells were secretly plotting the move; Everitt has said that ever since, when he has shaken David Modell's hand, he has tried to break it.

The Browns' entire offensive line went to get tattoos together in 1995, and Everitt had a huge dagger tattooed down the length of his spine. It has been reported that the tattoo symbolizes the knife in the back administered to Cleveland by Art Modell.

After the final game before the move in 1995, a decisive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Everitt was one of the many Browns players who sprinted to the Dawg Pound to greet and thank the tearful fans amid the dismantling of the seats in the stadium.

Most Browns fans know the defining moment of Steve Everitt's football career- the day he wore a Cleveland Browns bandana as a Baltimore Raven during an exhibition game in 1996. According to Scene Magazine:

"It was my way to reach out to the fans," he says. "I felt like I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, so I hid the bandana in my bag and then put it on when I got on the field." The move instantly cemented his place in the hearts of Browns fans. "I got so many letters from Browns fans, some even sent money to help me pay for the ($5000) fine the NFL gave me."

The article also includes some nice pictures, such as Everitt in his Ravens uniform sporting the famous Browns bandana, as well as a personalized autograph that reads "F*CK MODELL". You don't see many players with this kind of love for their team any more.

via www.theclevelandfan.com