Robert Griffin III named Browns starting quarterback
The Cleveland Browns have named Robert Griffin III the starting quarterback for the 2016 season, the team announced on Monday.
“It’s time. Robert has earned the right to be named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns,” head coach Hue Jackson said. “Since he was signed back in March, Robert has made it clear through his actions that he is willing to do everything that has been asked of him to earn this role. Throughout this process he has gained the respect from his teammates, the coaching staff and the entire organization that is necessary for him to lead our offense and really the entire team.”
After signing with Cleveland this off-season following three seasons with the Washington Redskins, Griffin was chosen as starter over Josh McCown, Austin Davis and Cody Kessler.
McCown started eight games for the Browns last season and Davis started two, with current free-agent quarterback Johnny Manziel making the other six starts.
Griffin becomes the 25th starting quarterback for the Browns since 1999, more than any other team.
Griffin, 26, was the No. 2 pick of the 2012 draft. He started every game he appeared in for the first two seasons of his career before sustaining various injuries and ultimately losing his starting job to Kirk Cousins.
The Browns open their 2016 season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 11.
