CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have announced that they are signing former WR Rashard Higgins and LB Christian Kirksey to one-day contracts so that they can retire as members of the team.
“We are thrilled that Rashard and Christian wanted to come back and retire as Cleveland Browns,” said JW Johnson executive vice president of the Browns. “Both players obviously made an impact on the field, but they each made a lasting impression in the Cleveland community as well. It’s a testament to who they are as individuals, and we are honored to have them retire as part of our Browns family.”
RASHARD HIGGINS' CAREER
Higgins was drafted by the Browns in 2016 and spent six seasons (2016-21) in Cleveland. During his career with the Browns, he appeared in 82 games and recorded 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Colorado State product, whose nickname is "Hollywood," was a favorite among his teammates and Browns fans due to his infectious personality.
Aside from playing for the Browns, Higgins spent a lot of time serving the Cleveland community. Higgins volunteered at numerous youth football, military appreciation and Special Olympics events. He also visited Cleveland students during school and organized bowling events to unite the community.
CHRISTIAN KIRKSEY'S CAREER
Kirksey spent six seasons with the Cleveland Browns (2014-2019) after being a third-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. During his stint with the Browns, he appeared in 73 games, registering 463 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, 16 passes deflected, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The now 31-year-old finished among NFL leaders in tackles in 2016 (third with 143) and 2017 (fourth with 138). Following his time in Cleveland, he played for the Green Bay Packers (2020) and the Houston Texans (2021-22).
Like Higgins, Kirksey spent much of his time giving back to Cleveland's youth. The University of Iowa product created the Kirkoland Foundation to aid and encourage individuals to "be themselves, be proud and be their own rockstars."
Kirksey also spent time with Northeast Ohio kids at bowling events, youth football camps, fashion shows and sporting events. Additionally, he visited neighborhoods with Cleveland and routinely met with students at recreation centers alongside safety forces to promote unity.
For his efforts in the community, Kirksey was named the Browns 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and the Texans 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Kirksey was also voted by Cleveland media as the 2016 PFWA Dino Lucarelli Good Guy award winner.
