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Jake Paul Seeks Browns WR Spot, Team Declines

7/24/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jake Paul Pursues

Jake Paul, 29, said he wants to be a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, noting that NFL teams have reached out.
He requested jersey No. 17, claiming he is faster, stronger and has better hands than current players.
The Browns said he is not in their roster plan, despite his sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025.

Summary

Jake Paul Slams NFL

At Fanatics Fest in New York City, Paul told reporters he spoke with several NFL coaches and called the league “super-mediocrity.”
The interview took place alongside Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8, prompting bettors to seek odds on which franchise might sign Paul.
Commentators said Paul’s move mirrors past cross-sport attempts by former football players Greg Hardy and Herschel Walker.

History

Historical Context

In June 2011 former NFL star Herschel Walker fought Kimbo Slice in Bellator, a promotion that had just moved its tournaments to MTV2 and recorded a season-high 269,000 viewers. The bout illustrated Bellator’s strategy of using celebrity athletes to broaden its audience. Jake Paul’s 2025 attempt to join the Cleveland Browns revived the same hype, showing how football and MMA chase star power for ratings.

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Jake Paul Pursues

Jake Paul, 29, said he wants to be a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, noting that NFL teams have reached out.
He requested jersey No. 17, claiming he is faster, stronger and has better hands than current players.
The Browns said he is not in their roster plan, despite his sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025.

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