I want to be careful here, because this is the page where I have nothing to hand you. The Cleveland Browns have never played in a Super Bowl. Not once. A founding-era franchise with a championship pedigree older than the trophy itself, and the modern game has never let them onto its biggest stage. As a man whose team lost four of them, I am not sure which is heavier.

The closest they came

The Browns were NFL champions back in 1964, before the Super Bowl existed. Since then, the wall has been the AFC Championship Game. Twice in the 1980s they ran into John Elway and Denver one round short of the Super Bowl. One year it was The Drive, ninety-eight yards of Elway breaking their hearts. The next it was The Fumble, a few yards from tying it. Different name, same door, slammed both times.

From one waiting town to another

I will not insult Cleveland by saying I understand. I got to the dance and lost. You have spent decades just trying to get invited. There is a particular dignity in the fans who keep showing up for that, and I respect it more than I respect most rings. Browns fans, the seat at the table is still set. One of these years.