Browns' equipment giveaway fuels high school football across Ohio
The Cleveland Browns announced this week that they will provide more than $250,000 worth of football gear to 30 high schools spread throughout Northeast and Central Ohio. The sixth‑annual equipment giveaway aims to lighten the financial burden on programs that often struggle to afford new cleats, pads and training tools.
Since the program's inception in 2021, the initiative has expanded from a modest hand‑out of used jerseys and pants to a comprehensive distribution that now includes brand‑new cleats, sneakers, apparel, shoulder pads, guardian caps and a suite of strength‑conditioning equipment. This year alone the team shipped 600 pairs of cleats and sneakers, hundreds of t‑shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and compression gear, and a variety of training machines ranging from Rogue hamstring curl units to an E1 elliptical.
Coaches and players welcome the support
For many schools the donation arrives at a critical moment, filling urgent equipment gaps as they prepare for the upcoming season. GlenOak High School assistant coach Dugan May praised the gesture, saying, “Any help in any way is always appreciated… if you have the ability to make these relationships… there’s no reason not to put yourself out there and try to help the kids.”
Maple Heights High School head coach Shaq Washington echoed the sentiment, calling the giveaway “always a highlight of the offseason” and noting that the resources allow student‑athletes to “perform on the football field at a high level.”
Beyond the immediate hardware, the Browns emphasized their broader mission to grow football in Northeast Ohio. By coupling equipment donations with coaching education and community outreach, the franchise seeks to keep youth football vibrant and accessible.
With continued involvement from Browns players, coaches and staff, the annual giveaway remains a cornerstone of the team’s commitment to the region’s sporting culture.