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Ex-Browns kicker Dawson excited about new stop
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Dawson
By Joe Catullo Jr.
YOUNGSTOWN
Since the Cleveland Browns franchise returned in 1999, the organization scuffled to find regulars.
The Browns started 18 different quarterbacks beginning with Ty Detmer in the first game back and most recently Thaddeus Lewis in the past season’s finale. And the list goes on and on for the other positions.
One starting job remained constant, and kicker Phil Dawson held it. Since his debut in 1999, Dawson missed nine games, holds the Browns’ record for most field goals made with 305, earned his first Pro Bowl selection last year and is a two-time All-Pro selection.
Now, Dawson has a new assignment in San Francisco.
“It’s been a year of transition for me, but every step of the way has been one I’ve enjoyed,” he said. “To get a chance to do something with my new team is pretty special.”
Dawson signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on March 19 and said it was a mixed bag.
“My years in Cleveland were some of the most special in my life,” Dawson said. “Then once I got to San Fran, I got the excitement of starting over and being a part of a successful team with a chance to do some pretty big things. At this point it’s been all green lights.”
Dawson spent this past spring working and getting the feel of San Francisco. One thing he noticed is the winds constantly blow and hopes his 14 years in Cleveland will help prepare for that.
“Phil has come in and already has made tremendous strides,” linebacker Patrick Willis said. “He’s very consistent kicking the ball. He’s played this game for a while. I’m glad to have him as part of our team, and I know he’ll help us win some games.”
Dawson replaces David Akers who spent the last two seasons in San Francisco. Akers, currently with the Detroit Lions, made 84.6 percent of his field goals two seasons ago before dropping to 69 percent in 2013.
“Last year didn’t go the way he wanted it, but my heart goes out to Dave,” Willis said. “But it’s just part of the game when players come and go. Now we have Phil here as our kicker, and we’re just looking forward to seeing him kick the ball.”
Transitioning to a team that lost in the Super Bowl last season, Dawson hasn’t had the time to meet with all of his new teammates. He got an opportunity to do so with a handful of them in Youngstown last week at the DeBartolo scholarship dinner at Stambaugh Auditorium.
“I didn’t really get a chance to meet him, but I will,” tight end Vernon Davis said. “It’s so early right now. As time goes by, you find yourself engaging with other people, cultivating more relationships. That’s the great thing about time.”
Through all the field goals and extra points wearing an orange helmet, Dawson had one message for the Cleveland faithful.
“Go Browns. I’ll be rooting for those guys,” Dawson said. “I wish them nothing but the best. I’ll be back around one of these years, but right now, I’m a Niner, and I’m really looking forward to this season.”