There is an old, possibly outdated, saying that “there is no cheering in the press box.” The idea is that media covering the games should have no emotional attachment to what is going on during the game.
The reality is many media members have to try very hard to stifle their emotions while watching the action. Football, for example, is fun. Basketball, for example, can be exhilarating and fast-paced.
Having covered both NFL and NBA games live as a member of the press, I can tell you it can be quite difficult.
That rule doesn’t apply to employees of the team and it especially doesn’t apply to owners.
Sunday, with his team down to Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers, owner Jimmy Haslam prowled the sideline. His reaction to Cade York’s game-winning kick, to send the Cleveland Browns to 1-0 for the first time in his ownership, was caught on video:
You can also see J.W. Johnson come into view halfway through pumping his fist. Johnson, along with Myles Garrett, trolled Mayfield’s “off the leash” t-shirt after the game.
While Haslam has had a problematic stint as the team’s owner, it is obvious how passionate he is about the team. Like most fans, Sunday’s win was full of stress and excitement for the owner as well.