Browns Fan Suits Up For Kentucky Derby

My dad and uncle go to the derby every year, and I’ve been going for the past six. Our buddy down there was going to wear a Green Bay Packers suit, so I decided to get myself a Browns one.

I’ve grown watching the team side-by-side with my dad the entire time. He’s always telling me that he doesn’t think the Browns are going to win the Super Bowl in his lifetime, but they should definitely win it in my lifetime. I’m hoping that it turns around this year.

My girlfriend was all ready to join me [at the derby]. She matched me in an orange dress. It was her first Kentucky Derby, and she enjoyed the hell out of it. It was definitely memorable. Now, she’s my fiancee. We’re even going to take our engagement photos outside [FirstEnergy] stadium in our outfits. We love our Browns. 

There were, surprisingly, a lot of people from Cleveland [at the derby]. Every 10 feet, I was stopped to take a picture. People were barking and telling me this year was our year — even people who didn’t root for us. Even Steelers fans were saying we were going to win the division.

I ended up missing Baker Mayfield do the “Rider’s Up,” [the traditional call telling competitors to mount their horses], but I didn’t want to turn anyone down. We got to the paddock about 30 seconds late. I had no idea he was going to be there, though. One of the workers at Churchill Downs told me later. I just wore it to support my team. 

If I can get to a game or a tailgate, I’m definitely going to be wearing the suit down there. I’ll be at the derby again next year. Whether we win the Super Bowl or not, the suit will be making another appearance.  — as told to Dillon Stewart