Welcome back, Joe

Former Browns wideout enjoying life, will begin working for ClevelandBrowns.com

Jeff Schudel JSchudel@MorningJournal.com

@jsbrownsinsider Those “Life is Good” T-shirts available in retail stores across America were made for Joe Jurevicius.

The former Lake Catholic star, who finished his NFL career with the Browns in 2007 after previously playing for the Giants, Buccaneers and Seahawks, stopped by the locker room on Oct. 6 looking relaxed and ready for the next phase of his life.

Jurevicius, who along his wife and two daughters lives in Gates Mills, will soon be working for ClevelandBrowns.com. He also owns a corn and soy bean farm in Iowa, hunts when he can squeeze free time out of his schedule and still gets his hair cut at New Image barbershop in Willowick, where his father took him when he was a boy growing up in Timberlake.

“Life is good. I’m doing well,” Jurevicius said. “It’s good to be in Cleveland. It’s good to be involved. I love this city and I’m really glad the Browns are playing good football right now.”

Jurevicius played in Super Bowls with the Giants, Buccaneers and Seahawks. He led the Bucs with 78 receiving yards on four catches in the 48-21 Super Bowl victory over Oakland after the 2002 season and was featured on the Super Bowl cover of Sports Illustrated.

Jurevicius signed a four-year contract with the Browns in 2006. He was an integral part of the team that finished 10-6 in 2007 by catching 50 passes for 614 yards and three touchdowns.

A staph infection resulting from routine knee surgery in 2008 ended Jurevicius’ career. Jurevicius sued the Browns and Cleveland Clinic. After legal wrangling, the parties settled out of court.

All that is behind Jurevicius. The smile he wore in the locker room is the same one he flashed on the day he signed with the Browns eight years ago when he said he would never play for another team. He was home and that is where he wanted to end his career.

“I’m going to do some radio stuff for ClevelandBrowns.com and radio stuff for them and maybe draw from some of my knowledge and help the fans understand the game a little more,” Jurevicius said.

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press Former Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius has put his past issues with the club to rest and will be returning to the organization to work for ClevelandBrowns.com.