The Cleveland Browns have had their justifiable share of remarkable gamers since their maiden season of 1946. The franchise has received eight Professional Soccer Championships over the course of the crew’s historical past, tied for the third most with the New York Soccer Giants.
Groups don’t win championships with out good offensive traces that come full with distinctive athletes paid to clear paths for runners and competent go safety.
OL Joel Bitonio served the Browns’ offense for 12 years and was named Captain for half his tenure in Cleveland. Seven Professional Bowls, twice voted First Group All-Professional, chosen Second Group All-Professional three seasons, had 178 whole begins, with 102 all in a row. Bitonio performed 6,481 consecutive offensive performs starting from the 2017 season and performed damage extra occasions than he might rely. He turns into a kind of uncommon NFL gamers in at the moment’s surroundings who retired from the identical crew that drafted him.
After the 2024 season, he considered retiring from the sport. Critically. Maybe it wasn’t enjoyable anymore, or price getting off the coach’s desk to trouble with. However he was in rehab, and one thing inside him wouldn’t permit his time in professional soccer to finish underneath physician’s orders. So, he stayed yet one more 12 months.
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And starting this previous season of 2025, he started Week 1 with the identical line mates that had been ranked #3 within the league in 2023, besides LT Jed Wills. As a Browns fan, you recognize the solid: RT Jack Conklin, RG Wyatt Teller, C Ethan Pocic, himself at LG, and LT Dawand Jones rather than Wills.
At season’s finish, all of these common faces had vanished as gamers get damage like gamers in a violent sport typically do. Bitonio ended his remaining two video games with two victories, however the whole offensive line that he performed alongside was apply squad guys, backups, and backups to the backups.
The 2025 Browns’ offensive line was ranked #31. The crew had misplaced 12 video games and 26 prior to now two seasons.
Ultimately, Bitonio determined to hold up his cleats. Now what?
Presently, the Browns have 90 guys underneath contract for coaching camp. No person on the present roster is carrying #95. No person is carrying #73. And no participant is carrying #75. That’s thought-about reverence.
Dawgs by Nature employees author Barry Shuck sat down with Bitonio to debate some issues, however largely his retirement. As at all times, Bitonio was candid and didn’t maintain again. Earlier than he formally rode off into the sundown, we had questions.
Shuck: No fluff, let’s simply soar proper into it. What was your deciding issue to retire?
Bitonio: It actually was time. My thoughts was telling me to attempt to go win a Tremendous Bowl and play yet one more 12 months. However my physique was able to be carried out. It was getting harder. My again was a difficulty and getting thrown out every week, preparing for the season and the subsequent sport, together with my ankles and knees. All of these issues have been kinda mixed. The work for on the point of play grew to become extra irritating than truly going on the market to play. It was time to hold it up. My contract was at a superb level, and my dedication to the Browns, and their dedication to me. It was an ideal time.
Shuck: Todd Monken would have been your sixth head coach. Was bringing in a brand new head as soon as once more a deterrent?
Bitonio: I need to say not. I already knew him when he was the OC for the Browns in 2019. I talked to him as soon as he was introduced as the brand new head coach, and he was very adamant about loving to have me with my management and play. He was assured about enjoying me if I got here again, so it wasn’t a deterrent to play for an additional new head coach. He did maintain a few of this previous 12 months’s employees, so there was some continuity there.
Shuck: Had been you in a position to get a sense for what the brand new offense would seem like?
Bitonio: We didn’t truly discuss “X’s and O’s.” It was extra like how I felt and what the expectations have been. And who was employed on the employees. We talked about how they have been going to assault the draft and get a brand new left deal with, and the way they have been going to be extra versatile, like when he coached with the (Baltimore) Ravens. He wants a cell quarterback, as he had with Lamar Jackson, and he ran the ball extra with that state of affairs.
GM Andrew Berry (Picture by Michael Hickey/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Shuck: After the final sport towards the Cincinnati Bengals, what number of conversations did you may have with Andrew Berry about your future with the Browns or retirement?
Bitonio: We had just a few conversations, and he primarily instructed me to take my time. After the season, I used to be rehabbing the primary six to eight weeks of the offseason. I had a minor elbow scope to scrub up among the cartilage. Earlier than the free company interval began, we had already talked fairly a bit, even earlier than free company and the draft began. He kinda knew I used to be able to retire, which gave him what he wanted to signal some new guys in free company as a substitute of ready till the listing of the most effective gamers was picked over. That’s why he introduced in some inside linemen. They type of knew I used to be able to retire at that time. We had a superb dialog.
Shuck: What sort of angle did Berry have towards you, both enjoying one other 12 months or retiring?
Bitonio: He was supportive. He stated any method I wished to go, they have been behind me. He stated if I wished to return again, they’d make it work, and if I wished to retire. He was understanding and appreciated that I wished to attempt to chase a championship. He was very supportive.
Shuck: Did he provide to commerce you to a different crew?
Bitonio: He was understanding if I wished to maintain enjoying and will perhaps win a championship someplace. He wasn’t going to carry me again. He wished to maintain me in Cleveland, however was supportive of any resolution I made. I do know he had some commerce requests from different groups throughout the season, however I don’t assume something ever got here from it.
Shuck: Did they give you a deal to stay on the roster?
Bitonio: No, I by no means gave them a sign that I’d be returning. So, it by no means bought that far in negotiations.
(Picture by Nick Cammett/Diamond Photos by way of Getty Photos) Diamond Photos/Getty Photos
Shuck: Did the Browns promise to carry your left guard spot till you had made a remaining resolution?
Bitonio: I received’t say it was a promise, however extra of an understanding. Berry did say if I wished to return again, we’re going to make it work and play left guard as I’ve for the final 12 years. That call was made earlier than free company, and that’s why they introduced in Elgton Jenkins and people guys they introduced in.
Shuck: Did you think about transferring on as Wyatt Teller has carried out, or was it your objective to retire as a Cleveland Brown?
Bitonio: I do know that’s the core proper there with quite a lot of expertise like Jack, who got here in 2020, and Po in 2022, I feel. I used to be with Jack for six years and Po for 4. We bought within the playoffs a few occasions with that group of fellows. Seeing Wyatt in a special uniform is unquestionably troublesome, nevertheless it wasn’t a figuring out issue for me. I admire that group and people guys since you undergo battle with these guys. So, you develop, and you recognize their households and stuff, and have seen all of their youngsters being born. However you additionally perceive the enterprise aspect of issues. And I feel with how younger the general roster was, there was a must get your O-Line youthful general additionally. So, I feel these selections have been type of made, and perhaps me and Jack was coming to an finish, and Po clearly suffered that damage. It was in all probability time for all that to occur, nevertheless it’s by no means nice when your boys are going to play for different groups.
Shuck: In 2023, the Browns’ offensive line ranked #3. This previous 12 months, in Week 1 towards the Cincinnati Bengals, it was 4 of the identical 5 guys who began that 2023 season, minus Jedrick Wills, and plug in Dawand Jones. You could have performed subsequent to and trusted these identical guys for years. What was that like, lining up with the identical guys once more?
Bitonio: Yeah, it was good. As I stated, once you play subsequent to guys for a number of years, it’s superior to be acquainted with guys I began probably the most video games with and know we’re going to be subsequent to one another. We performed quite a lot of video games collectively, so you recognize and belief the place they’re going to be, any pulls, and also you don’t even transfer or talk within the go off twist. All of that you simply’ve grown to know. So, you recognize that when issues are unhealthy, they arrive on the market and compete with you, looking for a method to win.
Joel Bitonio #75 versus the Cincinnati Bengals (Picture by Nick Cammett/Diamond Photos by way of Getty Photos) Diamond Photos/Getty Photos
Shuck: Your remaining sport as a Cleveland Brown was on the street towards the Bengals; your crew received the sport 20-18. It wasn’t such as you received the Tremendous Bowl in your remaining sport, however you went out a winner. In case your crew had misplaced, would it not have compelled you to play yet one more 12 months?
Bitonio: For the season that we had, we weren’t a playoff crew. We beat the Steelers in Week 17 and the Bengals in Week 18, as soon as the season unfolded, it was the easiest way to complete out my profession. Particularly with a walk-off subject objective. I had invited quite a lot of my household. It positively put a smile on my face beating Pittsburgh after which Cincinnati within the final two video games.
Shuck: What was it like seeing former linemates John Greco and J.C. Tretter come out to that Bengals sport?
Bitonio: I had gotten a set for my household in Cincinnati. Greco and JC watched the sport there additionally. I had invited quite a lot of my household, brokers, and pals to return, and John Greco and JC have been among the guys I had performed with prior to now.
Shuck: Dressing out within the Bengals customer’s locker room earlier than that sport, did you assume this may be your remaining sport, or did these ideas come afterwards?
Bitonio: We have been like 99% positive this was going to be the final sport. I used to be fairly assured. I had contemplated it the 12 months earlier than, and simply the best way this season had gone, plus the best way my physique was feeling, my again. I in all probability had thrown it out 3 times, together with preseason. This 12 months, my physique was telling me, “It’s time to go.” I feel if we have been enjoying within the playoffs and we had an actual shot of profitable a Tremendous Bowl, there would have been an opportunity to vary my thoughts. However I used to be very assured that it was going to be my final sport.
Shuck: Final 12 months, one after the other, all the Browns’ Week 1 beginning offensive linemen grew to become injured. In the direction of the tip, it was backups and apply squad guys, and also you. Did you end up extra as a mentor and a instructor relatively than only a man who wished to point out up for work?
Bitonio: It bought to a degree that Joe (Thomas) was such a drive in my first 4 years, and he was there already. Then in a while, it was just a little little bit of a curler coaster. We had Jed for a few years, and he was very strong. Then the left deal with place was just a little bit up and down. In my previous few years, I used to be grateful I used to be in a position to play each sport, each snap. And I used to be nonetheless wholesome to be on the market. However soccer is so robust. Guys get banged up. And so, then it’s a younger man, and I need the most effective for him. You understand, it’s his likelihood to audition and play tonight. I wished to be at my finest, and KT (Levenston) was on the market, and Cam Robinson. I simply wished to point out, for instance, that it doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says, it doesn’t matter what the report is, it’s our job. That was my motto, and attempt to assist these younger guys as a lot as attainable.
(L to R) Middle Alex Mack #55, left guard Joel Bitonio #75, and left deal with Joe Thomas #73 (Picture by Nick Cammett/Diamond Photos/Getty Photos) Diamond Photos/Getty Photos
Shuck: You could have been blessed to play on two distinctive offensive traces at totally different junctures whereas with Cleveland. Inform me which offensive line was higher: JT, you, Alex Mack, Greco, and Mitchell Schwartz, or Wills, you, Po, Wyatt, and Jack.
Bitonio: If which means which line was finest, the primary one had 4 All-Professionals. Greco performed 11 years, Mitchell was a four-time All-Professional, Alex was among the best, and Joe was clearly among the best ever. I used to be the younger man, studying and hadn’t reached that elite standing, however was enjoying with elite gamers. I kinda lean in direction of that first line nonetheless.
Abby: What makes enjoying in Cleveland distinctive in contrast with different NFL cities?
Bitonio: I feel it’s the fervour of the followers that also exhibits. I feel every other crew within the league that must undergo with the quantity of dropping, sadly, since 1999, and the fanbase would fall off, and cease exhibiting up for video games. However with the Cleveland fanbase right here, each week they’re tailgating and exhibiting up in Browns jerseys, and filling the stadium no matter our report. I feel that was the best factor. I’ve met lots of people from the Metropolis of Cleveland that perhaps I met one time or two occasions, however they have been identical to, “Hey, we appreciate what you did for the city on and off the field.” That meant quite a bit to me. They accepted you as a part of their residence. It’s like what they love once they help their crew, they usually need to be a part of the crew as a lot as anyone. With the Browns, it at all times mattered.
DT Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams vs. Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns (Picture by Kirk Irwin/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Abby: Which defensive participant was the hardest matchup you’ve confronted?
Bitonio: I’ve solely needed to face him like 3 times, however Aaron Donald was a menace. He was so good, so robust, so highly effective. One other man who no one is aware of about was Cam Heyward with the Steelers. He was older than I used to be, however I had two matchups a 12 months. That was at all times a chess match.
Jared: You performed in Cleveland for a very long time. Was there a mom-and-pop/non-franchise meals place that grew to become a staple for you and your spouse, Courtney?
Bitonio: We simply had dinner there, however certainly one of our favorites is “Fahrenheit.” Which isn’t a steakhouse, I’d say it’s bought mainly American fusion. Chef Rocco (Whalen) and I grew to become pals early in my profession when he had his place on Tremont. I went there just a few occasions, after which the previous few years he truly constructed one downtown in one of many new buildings down there on Public Sq.. That’s certainly one of our favourite date spots we go to.
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Jared: You had a number of offensive methods and coaches. Are there actually massive variations within the method that every teaches, ala hand placement, first foot, and so on., or is the instructing actually extra concerning the system variations?
Bitonio: I feel the good ones are very detailed. I feel the Invoice Callahans of the world, they’ve some critical element in each task. Among the different ones, James Campen was an amazing coach and was just a little bit totally different than Invoice, however he kinda grew, like what suits you finest as a participant? So, there are positively variations. In my thoughts, I used to be like, I need to take what’s finest from every certainly one of these guys and attempt to put it in my toolbox and make me an much more well-rounded participant.
Editor’s be aware: Browns offensive line coaches throughout Joel Bitonio’s tenure: Andy Moeller, Hal Hunter, Bob Wylie, James Campen, Invoice Callahan, Andy Dickerson, and Mike Bloomgren
Shuck: What was your mother, Debbie’s, recommendation to you about whether or not to retire or play one other 12 months?
Bitonio: She was supportive the entire method. She was like, no matter you want. She’s like, your physique’s bought to be there to help your youngsters. If I wished to play yet one more 12 months, she would have been supportive of that. She has been supportive in each resolution I made, like once I wasn’t positive about enjoying yet one more 12 months after 2024. I used to be like, I may be carried out, and she or he’s like, effectively, I perceive. She type of made me really feel like I had yet one more in me. She’s been very supportive the entire method.
Shuck: What did Courtney need?
Bitonio: Courtney was prepared for me to retire. I might inform her tomorrow I wished to play once more, she would help me, however I feel should you put her on a lie detector check, she can be prepared for me to retire after the final sport. She simply sees it behind the scenes greater than anyone. Simply the stress and the bodily toll the sport of soccer takes, there’s nothing prefer it on the planet. You play 17 video games a 12 months, and Wednesday by Friday, you’re beat to crap from enjoying this sport. It doesn’t matter what you say, it impacts the best way you’re in season. It impacts what you are able to do for your loved ones. It’s a blessing; I wouldn’t commerce it for the world. I signed up for it. But it surely additionally impacts your day-to-day and the stress ranges you may have in the summertime. So, she was so joyful, and she or he was prepared in that sense, what it took on me, and she or he was like, “Okay, take your time.” However she was supportive.
Shuck: JT, JC, Alex, and Schwartz have all come and gone and needed to make this resolution to retire from the sport sooner or later. Did you talk to any of them?
Bitonio: I’ve talked to Joe and Alex a few occasions about retiring. There have been some good conversations. Joe’s resolution got here right down to his physique, and Alex ended up chasing a Tremendous Bowl title with Atlanta. He went to play with (Kyle) Shanahan and had one other alternative to play with him after each left the Browns. And he got here shut, however he has again points. There was quite a bit that he and I mentioned. All of that confirmed it was the appropriate time for me.
Shuck: So, inform me one thing you may have eaten because you determined to retire that you’d by no means eat since you have been in offseason coaching.
Bitonio: I used to be allowed to eat something I wished in order that I might stay 320 kilos. I truly eat extra salads now than I ever did. I’m making an attempt to chop just a few kilos. I’m not fairly positive if it’s losing a few pounds. I’m a giant meals man, consuming steak, and all is nice. I’m making an attempt so as to add just a little bit extra greens and issues like that now. I can’t weigh 320 anymore.
Former Browns LT Joe Thomas converses with LG Joel Bitonio #75 (Picture by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Photos/Getty Photos) Diamond Photos/Getty Photos
Shuck: Joe Thomas has gone into the meat enterprise. Any likelihood you find yourself as certainly one of his workers?
Bitonio: I’d throw a couple of bucks his method as a result of he’s all in on the meat enterprise. He’s doing a superb job and he looks like together with his profession when he will get his fingers on one thing he goes all the best way. Me and Mitchell have been type of joking the opposite day about it wouldn’t be for me to do this enterprise, however Joe is the appropriate man to assault it.
Shuck: You could get your instructing skills out of your mother. May you see your self teaching in your future?
Bitonio: Most likely not on the school or NFL degree. I see these guys and the period of time they put into this enterprise. It isn’t appropriate for me presently. I feel I can see extra of a consulting function or a task the place I can work at a decrease degree with highschool youngsters. Or a university crew the place I can watch tape or assist in the summertime.
New Browns domed stadium at Brook Park (Getty Photos)
Shuck: What are your ideas on the brand new domed stadium?
Bitonio: I really like enjoying outdoors. I really feel the climate is a part of the game. Like, I do know persons are like they need to see the most effective towards the most effective. However I feel it’s just like the wind and the snow and the grass and the stands, like that issues particularly in Cleveland. Total, I’m barely disillusioned in that. However for a monetary resolution, I see each side of it. In addition to the Browns, I can go to this tremendous stadium, and I can have a number of occasions there, and there’s an opportunity we’ll get one other draft held there. And I do know they stated one thing about needing much more motels if there’s an opportunity to get a Tremendous Bowl in Ohio. I do know it’s taking an opportunity. I do know it’s going to be a first-class presentation to type of present the power. So, what they’re going to do for the locker rooms there and all these issues. It’s going to be a legit stadium.
Shuck: Have you ever been watching the World Cup?
Bitonio: I’ve had video games on, however I actually have solely watched the USA video games. I’m just like the man who watches soccer as soon as each 4 years and is aware of issues, however I’m not an professional.
Shuck: So, you reside in Avon, and also you and Courtney are from California. Every of y’all nonetheless has household that lives in Cali. Have you ever thought-about going again to the Pacific Ocean, or are your plans to stay in Ohio and maybe carry your mother out to dwell in Northeast Ohio?
Bitonio: All of our households are in Denver and additional west. I do assume we’re spending one other season in Cleveland, and simply give our children yet one more 12 months of snow. I truly is usually a fan of the Cleveland Browns and perhaps assist out just a little bit within the media content material division with the crew. We’ll see the place that takes us, no strain. Be just a little bit extra concerned locally. No full-court press in soccer. My household nonetheless lives in California, they usually aren’t followers of cold-weather video games.
BEREA, OH – AUGUST 12: Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio (75) throughout drills throughout the Cleveland Browns Coaching Camp on August 12, 2018, on the on the Cleveland Browns Coaching Facility in Berea, Ohio. (Picture by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos) Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos
Shuck: Let me provide you with a listing. Gale Sayers. Dick Butkus. Dan Marino. Barry Sanders. Larry Fitzgerald. Myles Garrett. Bruce Smith. Anthony Munoz. These are among the biggest gamers in NFL historical past to by no means win a Tremendous Bowl. Was this the one achievement you’re feeling that you simply missed out on?
Bitonio: I look again on my profession, and it’s just like the one factor. Coming to this league, I performed 12 years for one crew, the Cleveland Browns. I had seven Professional Bowls, a number of First and Second Group All-Professionals, was nominated for the “Walter Payton Man of the Year” for my crew, received the media “Good Guy Award” six occasions, was named captain six occasions, and signed three contracts. I achieved every little thing I might accomplish. It’s a remorse that I couldn’t win a Tremendous Bowl. However I concluded {that a} left guard for a crew can solely accomplish that a lot. I want I might have a much bigger impression on it. I want I had the chance to get a kind of, however that’s type of the place I stand in that state of affairs.
Shuck: You’re nonetheless a younger man. In case you are sincere with your self, you may have a few seasons left inside you. In addition to being a dad greater than ever, what now?
Bitonio: As you stated, moreover being a dad greater than ever, I attempt to go {golfing} a few occasions per week. Nothing loopy. Possibly one thing with the Browns throughout coaching camp, with some podcast content material with them, or among the radio stations. However nothing concrete. I need to be within the drop-off line at my child’s faculty and within the pickup line. Spend time with our households throughout the holidays as a result of that was at all times so onerous once I was enjoying. And cling some Christmas stuff. I feel it would kind out, and after just a few months, then we’ll see what alternatives are on the market for me.
Shuck: No person on the present roster is carrying #95. No person is carrying #73. And no participant is carrying your #75. Is that becoming?
Bitonio: I feel so. I feel particularly for Joe. It’s onerous to retire anyway. However for him to be first-ballot Corridor of Fame and be the most effective man on the planet, I feel he’s at all times going to be round. At some point, they must retire his quantity. And if the Browns need to maintain off on issuing quantity 75, I admire it. It exhibits respect. However I perceive that someone goes to put on 75 sooner or later and never perpetually.
Shuck: Each American main sports activities league has retired one elite participant’s jersey quantity for each member crew. It has been urged to the NFL to have Jim Brown’s quantity 32 retired league-wide. Your ideas?
Bitonio: I didn’t know that in each sport, they’ve retired one jersey for each crew. Jim Brown was an unbelievable participant, and did a lot throughout the civil rights motion and the black neighborhood on social points. It was actually cool as a result of he was across the crew quite a bit. I bought to know him, and he was a very nice man. If the NFL wished to acknowledge him now that he’s gone, retiring his jersey league-wide actually suits.
Editor’s be aware: Main League Baseball has retired #42 (Jackie Robinson) league-wide, the NBA has retired #6 (Invoice Russell), and the NHL has retired #99 (Wayne Gretzky). MLS, the Premier League, and the NFL haven’t adopted this pattern.
Shuck: You understand that yearly, the offensive line will get decimated by accidents. Not being a homer, I’m predicting the Browns will win 12 video games this 12 months. Let’s say that the crew is 8-2 and preventing to win the division and most certainly playoff-bound, and nearly everybody within the O-Line room is struggling to play or is on IR. Andrew Berry calls and asks you to return to assist end out the 12 months. Inform me what that dialog is like.
Bitonio: Effectively, I’m already down 20 kilos from my enjoying weight, so I can be down 30 or 40 kilos by that time. I’d admire the provide; I actually would. However I made the choice. And moreover, I would wish just a few months to actually get into soccer form. I must politely decline. My days of placing on a helmet are carried out. And moreover, as an O-Lineman, you play each snap. There’s no time to rotate or be part of it. The D-Line is on restricted snaps as they’re enjoying a rotation. We all know that “football shape” shouldn’t be the identical as being “in shape.” You interact each play towards a man who’s simply as massive and simply as robust as you, who’s making an attempt to push you and shove you and maintain you.
Abby Mueller and Jared Mueller contributed to this text
