Rashard Higgins and Christian Kirksey retire as members of the Browns

BEREA, Ohio – WR Rashard Higgins and LB Christian Kirksey will sign one-day contracts and retire as members of the Cleveland Browns.

“We are thrilled that Rashard and Christian wanted to come back and retire as Cleveland Browns,” said JW Johnson. “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.”

Higgins was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played six seasons (2016-21) in Cleveland, appearing in 82 games and recording 137 receptions for 1,890 yards with 12 touchdowns. Nicknamed “Hollywood” by his pee-wee football coach, Higgins was a favorite amongst his teammates and with Browns fans, thanks in part to his infectious personality. He provided his best performances against AFC North Division rivals. His career high for receptions was set at Baltimore, his career high receiving yards came at Cincinnati and his only career multiple touchdown game was in Pittsburgh. A product of Colorado State, Higgins led the nation in 2014 with 1,750 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns receptions, both of which were single-season school records.

Higgins was extremely active in the Cleveland community volunteering at numerous youth football, military appreciation and Special Olympics events. He made a direct impact on the youth of Cleveland during school visits and organized bowling events to unite the community. During the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats initiative, he raised funds and awareness for the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (2021), Providence House (2020), Animal Cruelty/Mesquite Animal Pawtners (2018) and kidney disease (2017).

A third-round selection in 2014, Kirksey played six seasons (2014-19) with the Browns. During that time, he appeared in 73 games and registered 463 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two…