Newsome Looks to Extend Streak

A bruised shoulder and a sore ankle marred Ozzie Newsome’s 1986 season, but he still built up a regular reception streak of 114 consecutive games that he’s hoping to continue this fall.

“I’m as close to 100% as I’ll ever get,” Newsome said. “I was able to test myself at minicamp (in May). I found out I could do the things I’m used to doing. I was like a kid at Christmas. It was fun again.”

Newsome, the Browns’ all-time leading pass catcher, grew increasingly frustrated with his health last season as the Browns were storming to 12 victories in 16 games. He was limited to 39 receptions, fewest since his rookie season 10 spring training camps ago.

But Newsome kept his regular-season record intact and remains 25 games behind Seattle record-holder Steve Largent. When the streak was in jeopardy during the Houston game, a crowd in Cleveland Stadium chanted “Oz-zie, Oz-zie,” giving Newsome new appreciation for it.

“What I endured during the Houston game was probably my most satisfying moment,” Newsome said. “I had conceded the streak. But everyone wanted it to go on. The city wants it. The team wants it. Now I want it. That was the first time the streak really had an impact on me.”

He did go without a catch in the biggest game of his career, the AFC Championship against Denver. But Largent was stopped during a 1984 playoff game.

Newsome fully intends to rejoin the offensive mainstream in 1987 even if he has to wait in line for quarterback Bernie Kosar’s passes.