BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Not everyone in life gets a second chance.
Malik McDowell got one Tuesday when he made the Browns 53-man roster despite having not played a football game since 2016.
“It’s a great example to all of us that had some things go on in your life that he was ultimately responsible for, he owned up to it and he’s made sure to make the most of this opportunity,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “And he’s going to have to continue to do that and he understands that.
“He’s well aware of what’s at stake and from the moment he’s been with us he’s done everything that’s been asked of him.”
McDowell was originally drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but an ATV accident derailed his career, and his life spiraled out of control after.
“Everybody don’t get a second chance,” McDowell said. “That was just meaningful that the NFL and anybody is willing to give me of all people another chance.”
Doctors told him he could never play again, but here he is four years later on a Super Bowl contender.
“It would be real nice to come back in one year and win a Super Bowl, that’s a good bonus,” McDowell said.
McDowell was sentenced to 11 months in jail after pleading guilty to multiple crimes stemming from a traffic stop that resulted in him being charged with assault, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. TMZ.com published video of the incident that showed McDowell fighting with officers.
He was found to be in possession of a stolen truck in a separate incident.
“Actually while I was in jail gave me a lot of time to think about what I wanted to do in life and where my life was heading,” McDowell said. “So that really gave me the motivation to push to try to fight back to get back what I lost.
“That’s what I was telling everybody I was in there with, that’s what I’m working towards. When I get out, I’m going back to try to play football.”
Browns EVP/GM Andrew Berry took a chance by signing McDowell this offseason but was sold on the defensive lineman’s self-accountability, contrition, and desire.
“I told them how much I wanted it and how much I wouldn’t let them down giving me this opportunity even though I had chance after chance,” McDowell, who credits his mother for helping him get his life back on track, said. “And this being my last chance and everything, you all giving me this opportunity, I won’t make you look bad. A.B., in particular, giving me this opportunity, bringing me in here, sticking his neck out for me and everything. So definitely don’t want to let nobody down.”
McDowell was hard to miss when he was on the field during camp and especially during the final two preseason games pushing opposing linemen backwards with regularity.
McDowell admits he’s yet to realize his full potential on the field as he continues to get back into football shape, but also has a clear understanding of what’s at stake.
“Everything,” McDowell said. “For me, my career is at stake. My livelihood, taking care of my family, just to do what the everyday person can’t do, go out there in front of thousands of fans and play a game and get paid lots of money to do it. That’s a lot of people’s dreams and I get to live my dream.”
Happy returns – With JoJo Natson cut, the kickoff return role shifts to rookie running back and receiver Demetric Felton – for now.
“He is our kick returner, and like any player, he has to earn the role and then keep the role,” Stefanski said.
Felton could also see time returning punts, but Donovan Peoples-Jones will also share the task according to Stefanski.
JOK back – Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah practiced for the first time since suffering a laceration to his forehead that required stitches.
“He is good to go,” Stefanski said.
The injury occurred while the second-round pick was working out in the weight room, located inside the Casey Coleman Field House.
Biding time – While the Browns practice for three days this week, the real on field preparation for the Chiefs will start Monday.
“We will wait until next week,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, it is a huge challenge, so I do not want it to be misconstrued that we are not working on them yet. We will get to them next week. The coaches have certainly started working on them.”
Injury report – S Grant Delpit(hamstring), CB Troy Hill, CB Greedy Williams (groin), LB Sione Takitaki (hamstring), LB Jacob Phillips (biceps), C JC Tretter (undisclosed), G Michael Dunn (back), WR Rashard Higgins (personal) and DT Malik Jackson (personal) did not practice Tuesday.
Up next – Practice Wednesday.
