LeBron James in Last: Sports Figures Who Beat the King back to Ohio
By Adam Cellini
Sep 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns guard John Greco (77) runs onto the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
John Greco
The six-year NFL veteran offensive lineman was acquired by the Browns in 2011 from the St. Louis Rams for the bargain price of a conditional 7 round pick in the 2012 draft. Greco entered Cleveland with only four starts in three seasons with the Rams before a breakout 2012 season in Cleveland, filling in for a disabled Jason Pinkston, who was beginning to suffer blood clots in his lungs, a condition that led to his emotional “release” from the Browns . Greco finished 2012, a season in which Trent Richardson carried for a rookie franchise record 950 yards, top five among NFL guards in according to ProFootballFocus.com, before taking over the position for the 2013 campaign.
The six-year NFL veteran offensive lineman was acquired by the Browns in 2011 from the St. Louis Rams for the bargain price of a conditional 7th round pick in the 2012 draft. Greco entered Cleveland with only four starts in three seasons with the Rams before a breakout 2012 season in Cleveland, filling in for a disabled Jason Pinkston, who was beginning to suffer blood clots in his lungs, a condition that led to his emotional “release” from the Browns earlier this week. Greco finished 2012, a season in which Trent Richardson carried for a rookie franchise record 950 yards, top five among NFL guards in run block efficiency according to ProFootballFocus.com, before taking over the position for the 2013 campaign.
Greco made it clear to Tom Reed of Cleveland.com how happy he was to be close to home again. The lineman used to pummel people as a student-athlete near Youngstown at Boardman High School, a city that raised popular Browns alumnus Bernie Kosar. Greco continued his career in-state with the University of Toledo Rockets, where was a four-year starter at both tackles and an All-MAC selection for three consecutive seasons. His consistency and dominance through college was rewarded with the Rams’ third round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
The two year starter has been grabbing headlines in this year’s training camp due to a tight position battle with second year lineman Garrett Gilkey. The veteran has dropped close to 25 pounds to stay relevant in the infamous Shanahan zone-block run scheme. At this point it is unclear who will spend 2014 lined up next to perennial pro bowler Joe Thomas, but with second rounder Joel Bitonio firmly placed at right guard, the pressure is on for the underdog Boardman-product to keep his position.