Kevin Stefanski's appreciation for David Njoku extends past catching footballs
David Njoku has become Joe Flacco's security blanket within the Cleveland Browns offense. He has also enjoyed a career year of the sorts, hauling in 69 catches for 704 yards and five touchdowns. His value was seen in Cleveland's breathtaking win against the Chicago Bears in Week 15. But Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski appreciates […]
David Njoku has become Joe Flacco's security blanket within the Cleveland Browns offense.
He has also enjoyed a career year of the sorts, hauling in 69 catches for 704 yards and five touchdowns.
His value was seen in Cleveland's breathtaking win against the Chicago Bears in Week 15. But Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski appreciates the tight end for reasons that extend past on-field production.
"There can’t be many better than him when you talk about complete tight ends, whether it’s the run and the pass," Stefanski said.
"I’ve seen him grow, certainly as a player in our time together, but he’s a dynamic football player. And then the piece about off the field, I just think he’s an incredible teammate. He’s a positive force in this building, both on the practice field, in the locker room, on the game field. He brings such great energy to this team. And when I say that specifically, he picks his teammates up more than anybody on our team."
Njoku recently proved Stefanski's point regarding the tight end's selflessness.
After his breakout performances in the last two weeks, Njoku was asked about why he has found so much success. All he could talk about was how much he appreciated his teammates.
“It’s not me. It’s a team effort,” Njoku said after the game. “Everybody from the kicker to the snapper to the offense, defense, special teams, it’s everybody. It’s not me. The last thing I want you guys to think is that it was my doing because it is not. It’s God first and then it’s the team. It was a team effort that we were able to win and we’re on to next week.”
In the last two games, Njoku has nearly 200 yards receiving while collecting three touchdowns.
But still, what matters to Stefanski is the off-field teammate Njoku has been.
"I just think Dave, the teammate that he’s become, and I’ve got to watch it firsthand here over the last four years, but an unbelievably positive force for this football team," Stefanski said.
Based on recent weeks, and the resurgence of the Kardiac Kids, it's easy to believe him.
Browns’ Week 15 win nearly sent David Njoku to the bathroom early
The Kardiac Kids are back.
