BEREA, OHIO — Isaiah Bond, the Browns’ new receiver, once again declared his innocence in the face of a dropped sexual assault case and promised to contribute to his new community.
Before his first Browns practice, he made an opening remark, saying, “I’m very excited to be at Cleveland Brown.” I’ve been playing football since I was six years old, and I’m really appreciative of the opportunity to play in the NFL. My lawyer and agent have instructed me not to discuss the allegations in full from the beginning, even though I am aware that there will be questions about them. I remain here now in the same manner that I declared my innocence. Getting to know my colleagues and demonstrating to the Cleveland Browns why they made the right choice excites me much.
Bond promised to be an honorable part of the team and community after his sexual assault accusation was dropped on Thursday after a grand injury in Texas Collins County returned a no-bill, deciding not to indict him.
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Bond stated, “I want people to know me as a great human, not just a great athlete.” I will undoubtedly be performing community service to nonprofit organizations and others in need in the neighborhood.
The opportunity to reunite with his 2023 coordinator, Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, was a significant factor, according to Bond (5-11, 180). Bond transferred to Texas last year after spending two seasons at Alabama.
Bond remarked, “He already knows my skill set.” My agent and Andrew Berry have been in communication since the draft, and as a child, I also looked up to (Jerry) Jeudy. I went to Alabama for that purpose, and when my agent told me that the Browns wanted you, I said, “Let’s go just so I can pick the brain of a guy like Jerry Jeudy and get some tips from him.” It was obvious, I said.
The first thing that #BrownsWR Isaiah Bond said at his press conference:GcnMsgyAB pic.twitter.com/
Bond is also excited for Quinshon Judkins, a running back with the Browns who was selected in the second round out of Ohio State, to join him here. Bond came to know Judkins during their pre-NFL Draft training in Texas, and on Thursday, Bond said he was signing with the Browns after Judkins’ domestic abuse allegation was dropped.
Bond remarked, “Quinshon is a great guy and a great human.” I’ve only known him for a short while, but I think every wide receiver wants a good running back, and he is one, so I’m thrilled he’ll be up here too.
He averaged 14.4 yards per grab while catching 99 receptions for 1,428 yards and 10 touchdowns in 41 games across three seasons at Alabama and Texas. He also ran for a touchdown and 101 yards. He played in 13 games as a freshman in 2022, hauling in 17 catches for 220 yards and a touchdown. His 2023 sophomore season, in which he caught 48 passes for 668 yards and four touchdowns, solidified his place as a starter. When he caught the now-famous 4th-and-31 game-winning touchdown versus Auburn in the Iron Bowl, it became his defining moment and a play that would go down in SEC history.
He caught 34 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games during the 2024 season at Texas, which helped the Longhorns push for a national championship.
The ankle ailment that kept him out of two games against Texas last season is completely fine, according to Bond, who passed his Browns physical on Sunday. He said it didn’t cost him time in the NFL Combine, where he ran a 40-yard dash of 4.39, which was slower than the Combine record of 4.21 set by fellow Texas receiver Xavier Worthy, whom he had promised to beat. However, he claims to have achieved a personal best score of 4.2. What, therefore, distinguishes him from a speedster?
“I think you would see that I am a complete receiver if you actually turn on the tape and watch the (film) instead of just the highlights,” he said. I am capable of running the entire route tree. I’m more than just a quick man. I’m not merely observing screens. Even when I’m not receiving the ball, I get open a lot, so if you watch the plays, you can see that I’m a very complete receiver who is prepared to contribute to the game.
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