The Cleveland Browns' philanthropic arm, Browns Give Back, announced this week that it has contributed more than $250,000 worth of football equipment to thirty high schools across Ohio, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on programs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Community investment in high school athletics
The package includes game pants, jerseys, shoulder pads, workout gear and a substantial number of cleats and sneakers, with each school's coaching staff given the authority to select the items most needed for their teams.
Coaches from the recipient schools praised the initiative, noting that the donated gear not only reduces equipment costs but also ensures that student‑athletes can compete on a level playing field.
Dugan May, an assistant football coach at GlenOak High School, said the contribution opens doors for young athletes who might otherwise lack the resources to pursue the sport, while Shaq Washington, head coach at Maple Heights High School, highlighted the importance of supporting players who cannot afford new gear.
This marks the latest chapter in a six‑year partnership during which Browns Give Back has repeatedly delivered equipment, apparel and accessories to Ohio schools, and this year alone the organization distributed 600 pairs of cleats and sneakers along with hundreds of pieces of apparel and flag‑football belts.
Beyond the tangible benefits, the donations serve as a morale boost for the programs, reinforcing the Browns' commitment to community development and signaling that the offseason can be a period of tangible support for local schools.