CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Browns linebacker Tony Fields is entering his third season in the league and is ready to roll.
The team has been back in Berea for the past month participating in offseason volunteer activities. It may be voluntary, but there has been a very good turnout. Most of the team is there, including key defensive players like Myles Garrett, Dalvin Tomlinson, Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson.
“The atmosphere is great,” Fields told TheOBR.com in an exclusive interview. “Everybody has been prepared and they’re chasing each other. I feel like all the coaches and everybody have been going for it and that’s what I love about it.”
Cleveland made adding talent on defense a focal point this offseason. The team added former Vikings defensive end Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and also added other veterans like Ogbo Okoronkwo and Rodney McLeod. They also drafted defensive tackle Siaki Ika, defensive end Isaiah McGuire and cornerback Cameron Mitchell to help add more depth.
“This year is no different than last year, we are ready to go and I feel like we have a different bond and chemistry within the team. We have a lot of players and new players that will help the team a lot. .”
Fields brings the added bond and chemistry of being able to spend time with teammates off the field.
“Honestly, just guys have more time to be around each other. You’ve got the quarterback who’s been here the longest, and in the back room, we got most of our same room back. There’s a lot of they reach their third year with me. We’ve had a lot of time to develop chemistry and hang out off the field and I think that’s a big thing that contributes to the field. If you hang out off the field, it really shows that you’re brothers and it really translates.”
The defense has a new leader this season. The team hired veteran coach Jim Schwartz to replace Joe Woods. Ever since Schwartz was introduced to the team, he has had the team fired up.
“I love Jim Schwartz,” Fields said. “I love his attitude and I love the mindset he’s coming to the defense with. Honestly, I’m ready to work.”
Since offseason activities began, the team has enjoyed what is called work.
“When he came in with his initial huddle, he had all the guys fired up,” Fields said. “We were all ready to work. It’s been something new every day since OTAs started and we’re all enjoying it. We’re all having fun, and that’s the key to it all.”
After suffering multiple injuries in his rookie year that set him back, Fields started in six games last season and appeared in all 17. With more playing time, Fields showed flashes both on defense and special equipment
“My game plan is to pick up where I left off last season and progress as well,” Fields said. “I’ve been making strides to get smarter, faster and stronger. I honestly think that’s going to help me even more. The game slowed down last year and every year obviously just watching film and developing new techniques and trends, it starts to slow down more and more.”
Fields is also eager to shake off the title of “ninety” or “youngster.”
“I’m finally a vet, I’m finally a vet,” Fields said.
After Fields’ touchdown last season against Houston, you may remember seeing a viral video of a fan jumping through the ranks to see the play Fields threw in the stands. It was no ordinary fan, it was Tony Fields Sr., Tony Fields’ father. Someone said that Tony has had a huge impact on his career.
this @marrons The fan really wanted that football thrown into the crowd.
It fell about 3 rows…or more. (Video @mikeorta)
@wkyc @KHOU pic.twitter.com/eUPXoCBCCL
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) December 5, 2022
“Man, my dad has coached me my whole life,” Fields said. “My dad got me into sports. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I give it my all. I started with baseball and then I played football and he made sure I trained every day and was there for every game” .
Fields Mr. he has fulfilled his promise. He has been to every game Tony has played in but one.
“My dad has missed a game in my entire life and believe it or not, it’s the only game I’ve been completely taken out of a game and then I’ve been back in it,” Fields said. “It’s very vivid to me that my dad is at the game. I make sure he’s there.”
Tony Fields Sr., Tony Fields and agent Ross Jones after a game.
After the video went viral of Fields Sr. diving for his son’s ball, many fans pointed out that he is wearing a game-worn jersey. That’s because he brings one to every game.
“Ever since college, no matter how big I am, no matter how tight my jersey is, this guy is going to put on his game-worn jersey and wear it,” Fields said.
In fact, Fields Mr. he’ll show up to cleveland headless and just go straight to tony’s closet.
“He comes home, you know I’ve got all the jerseys, and he’s got his, but when he comes back to Cleveland he doesn’t come with a jersey, he just comes to my locker and says, ‘OK.’ I’ll wear this one this game,’” Fields said.
Fields is hosting a free youth football camp July 1-2 in his hometown of Las Vegas at Desert Pines High School. He is eager to return to the children.
“I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and knowing a couple of guys who have made it to the NFL or higher, basically didn’t give them their wisdom back,” Fields said. “That’s what I really want to do for the kids and that’s my whole thought process. I want to get a couple other NFL players and just coach the kids.”
On July 1, Fields will host grades K through 8th. On July 2, Fields will host high school kids ages 7-7.
For more information on how to register for the camp, fans can click here.
You can follow Brad Stainbrook on Twitter @StainbrookNFL.
