Fan Engagement Soars in Offseason for the Cleveland Browns

The NFL offseason is often a lull for fan interest, with no games to watch and only roster moves and training camp updates to sustain excitement. But for the Cleveland Browns, the 2025 offseason defied that trend—fan engagement reached record heights, driven by a mix of on-field momentum (a 2024 AFC Championship Game appearance), innovative community initiatives, and intentional digital outreach that kept Browns Nation connected year-round. What began as a strategic effort to maintain fan enthusiasm between seasons evolved into a movement, with fans participating in events, sharing content, and supporting the team at levels never seen before. Fan Engagement Soars in Offseason for the Cleveland Browns explores the key factors behind this surge, the creative programs that fueled it, and how it has strengthened the bond between the team and its loyal fanbase.

Fan Engagement Soars in Offseason for the Cleveland Browns first highlights the role of the team’s 2024 success in laying the groundwork for offseason excitement. After winning the AFC North and coming within one game of the Super Bowl, the Browns entered the offseason with a fanbase hungry for more. Unlike previous years—when offseasons were marked by uncertainty and rebuild talk—2025 brought a sense of purpose: fans were eager to discuss free-agent signings (like offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.), draft picks (including wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.), and how the team could improve on its near-miss. This enthusiasm translated to record-breaking engagement on the team’s website: offseason content (roster breakdowns, coach interviews, draft analysis) generated 12 million page views between February and July—up 85% from the 2024 offseason. “Winning changes everything, but it’s not just about the games,” said Sarah Johnson, the Browns’ director of fan experience. “It’s about giving fans a reason to stay invested even when the season isn’t going on. This year, they had that reason—they could see we were building something special.” Local sports radio also benefited: ratings for Browns-focused shows during the offseason increased by 60%, with call-in segments often filling hours of airtime with fan debates about the team’s future.

A major driver of the engagement surge was the Browns’ launch of “Browns Nation Offseason Tour,” a 10-city event series that brought players, coaches, and team personnel directly to fans across Ohio and neighboring states. The tour kicked off in February in Toledo, with head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Deshaun Watson hosting a Q&A session at a local high school gym. Subsequent stops included Columbus, Akron, and Pittsburgh (for cross-state Browns fans), featuring activities like autograph signings, youth football clinics led by players, and “watch parties” for NFL Combine and draft events. The tour exceeded all expectations: over 50,000 fans attended events, with some traveling hours to meet players. In Dayton, a youth football clinic led by running back Nick Chubb drew 2,000 kids, many of whom left with Browns-themed gear and photos with the Pro Bowler. “The tour was about more than just shaking hands,” Chubb said. “It was about showing fans we appreciate their support, even when we’re not playing on Sundays. Seeing the kids’ faces—those are the moments that make this job special.” For fans, the tour was a chance to connect with the team on a personal level, something that had been missing in previous offseasons. “I took my son to the Akron event, and he got to throw a pass to Deshaun Watson,” said 42-year-old fan Mike Torres. “That’s a memory he’ll never forget. It made us feel like part of the team, not just spectators.”

A defining element of Fan Engagement Soars in Offseason for the Cleveland Browns is the team’s innovative use of social media to create interactive, fan-driven content. Recognizing that younger fans consume content differently, the Browns launched several digital initiatives: a TikTok “Draft Challenge” where fans predicted the team’s draft picks for a chance to win season tickets (250,000 participants); an Instagram Live series “Player Takeover,” where players (like rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace) hosted Q&As and shared behind-the-scenes footage of their offseason training (averaging 150,000 viewers per episode); and a Twitter poll series that let fans vote on small team decisions (like the design of a new practice jersey, which received 180,000 votes). The team also leaned into user-generated content, reposting fan art, game-day memories, and offseason training videos with the hashtag #BrownsNationStrong. This approach paid off: the Browns’ social media following grew by 40% during the offseason, with TikTok becoming their fastest-growing platform (up 120% in followers). “Social media isn’t just about posting content—it’s about starting conversations,” said Johnson. “We wanted fans to feel like they were part of the process, not just watching it. This year, they were.” For the Cleveland Browns, this digital engagement wasn’t just about numbers—it was about building a community that extended beyond game days.

The Browns also boosted engagement by partnering with local businesses to create exclusive offseason fan experiences, turning everyday activities into team-themed events. Local grocery stores offered “Browns Nation Bundles” (snacks, drinks, and team merch) with a portion of sales going to the Browns’ community foundation. Coffee shops in Cleveland served “Deshaun’s Dark Roast” and “Myles’ Morning Blend” (named after Watson and defensive end Myles Garrett), with customers who ordered the drinks receiving free Browns stickers. Even fitness centers got in on the action: a Cleveland gym chain offered “Browns Workout Classes” led by former players, with participants earning points toward game tickets for attending. These partnerships not only increased fan engagement but also supported the local economy—a win-win for the team and the city. “We wanted to make being a Browns fan a part of people’s daily lives, not just something they do on Sundays,” said Johnson. “Whether they’re grabbing coffee or working out, we wanted them to feel connected to the team.” For the Cleveland Browns, these partnerships also strengthened their reputation as a community-focused franchise, something that resonated with fans who value local pride. “It’s cool to see the team partnering with places I go every day,” said 28-year-old fan Emma Lewis. “It makes the Browns feel like a part of the city, not just a sports team.”

Wrapping up, Fan Engagement Soars in Offseason for the Cleveland Browns is a story of intentionality, creativity, and understanding what fans want. By leveraging on-field success, bringing the team to fans through the offseason tour, using social media to foster interaction, and partnering with local businesses, the Browns turned a typically quiet time of year into a period of excitement and connection. The results speak for themselves: record-breaking digital engagement, sold-out fan events, and a fanbase that’s more invested than ever in the team’s success. This surge isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s a blueprint for future offseasons, showing that with the right approach, teams can keep fans engaged year-round. “The offseason doesn’t have to be a down time,” said Johnson. “It can be a time to build deeper relationships with fans, and that’s what we did this year.” For the Cleveland Browns and their fans, the 2025 offseason was more than just a break between seasons—it was a celebration of Browns Nation, a reminder of why they love the team, and a preview of the excitement to come. As one fan put it on Twitter: “Who needs games when the offseason is this fun? Go Browns!”