Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
11.03.2006
In 17 months, Joshua Cribbs has gone from undrafted longshot to core
player.

The Browns affirmed Cribbs' status -- and his importance -- by
signing him to a six-year contract extension Friday that goes through
the 2012 season.

Cribbs earned the extension with outstanding play on special teams
and by showing steady improvement as a wide receiver. His 27.7-yard
kickoff return average ranks third in the NFL, and he ranks second on
the team with 9 special teams tackles.

Cribbs has five kickoff returns of 40 yards or more and has caught 9
passes for 81 yards through seven games.

"This is a dream come true for me," Cribbs said. "I want to thank
Randy Lerner, Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel for giving me this
opportunity. I love the city of Cleveland, our fans and I'm excited
to have the longevity of being here for the future.

"It certainly feels good to be wanted, and now I'm motivated because
I want to prove to this organization that they made the right
decision."

The Browns had previously signed five players to long-term extensions
since Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage came to the Browns in early 2005:
Leigh Bodden, Andra Davis, Phil Dawson, Reuben Droughns and Orpheus
Roye.

A college quarterback at nearby Kent State, Cribbs made the Browns'
roster last season with his special teams play and went on to set a
franchise record with 1,094 kickoff return yards, including his first
career touchdown on a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown vs.
Detroit on Oct. 23, 2005.

He finished his rookie year with 45 returns for 1,094 yards (24.3
avg.) and ranked second on the club with 19 special teams tackles.