Browns Fire Aaron Shea as Director of Player Engagement

Back in 2011, we reported that the Cleveland Browns had hired Aaron Shea as their Director of Player Engagement. Shea, a former tight end for the Browns, was a fourth-round draft pick by the team in 2000, but was forced into retirement due to injuries. Shea helped sell suites with the Browns for a couple of years before receiving his new position, which was described as him "helping players transition into and out of their careers and help prepare them for life after football."

A couple of days ago, though, Shea tweeted that he has been fired from the position:

Browns nation my 9 lives have run out tonight. They fired me tonight and it has been a good run. Going to miss being around the guys!

— Aaron Shea (@AShea36) March 8, 2014

It's hard to know exactly what Shea did in his role, but at least one player, OG Jason Pinkston, paid tribute to Shea on Twitter, saying, "Thank you for everything -- you really helped out a lot over the years. I'm gonna miss ya boss man." A team spokesman said the following to the Plain Dealer regarding Shea's dismissal and the future of the position:

"The Browns would like to thank Aaron for his years of service to the team. The organization is going to be moving in another direction with the player-engagement role."