By Lynn Saternow
Herald Sports Editor
Judson Flint was a member of the old Cleveland Browns “Kardiac Kids” teams that thrived on exciting finishes. Today Flint is excited about a team-related beginning — the beginning of “The Dirty Brown Towel.”
The former Farrell High athletic star is the spokesman for the brown-and-orange towel — an invention of Farrell’s Chuck Harris — that he predicts will be a must-have item for every true Browns fan in the country.
“Since the Browns came back to Cleveland (after owner Art Modell moved the team), the fans have had nothing to latch on to,” said Flint. “The team can rise out of the ashes and the Dirty Brown Towel will give fans something to help turn the tide.”
Harris pointed out that he felt the Browns needed something to combat the dreaded “Terrible Towel” which is waved by tens of thousands of fans at Pittsburgh Steelers games.
Harris went to McArthur Towel and Sports Co., the maker of the Terrible Towel, with the idea. But it took about two years before he could get official licensing from the NFL. Now that he has the license, it’s full speed ahead.
“It’s been big already,” said Harris. “It’s been selling well.” Normally selling for about $8, it can be found locally at Kraynak’s, Reyers, Nadine’s Trading Post, the Gold Mind and Tony’s Pizza Tavern. It will be expanding into other stores in the future.
It can be found in several stores in the Cleveland and Erie areas. “The NASCAR Obsession (in Erie’s Millcreek Mall) is planning to use it in a TV commercial,” said Harris. He said it will also soon be available at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Flint said they are currently in discussions with the Browns about a possible promotion through an outside sponsor. “They would want about 70,000 if that goes through,” said Flint. “Right now it’s up to the sponsor. It’s between the towel, a seat cushion and a flag.”
Flint, a defensive back for the Browns from 1980-82, said the fans play a big role in inspiring players at home games. “Can you imagine every fan waving these towels,” asked Flint. “That would help intimidate the other team. This will create a hostile environment for the visitors and a lift for the home team. It’s something that every fan can bring to the game, week-in and week-out.
“By “Dirty” It doesn’t mean that the team will do anything illegal. It just means that they are ready to play hard and get down-and-dirty to win.
“These towels can help create some frenzy and a great atmosphere. Hopefully it’s something that will be around for the next 25 years.”
While Harris is the president of the company producing the towel, Henry Smith is vice president and Daniel Odem is secretary of operations. The towel is being distributed by Omeri Corp., 672 North Sharpsville Ave., Sharon.
Harris said that Browns Backers organizations throughout the country are becoming interested in buying the towels. The Atlanta group recently asked for a couple of hundred to distribute to fans there.
Harris said that in the future they also plan to produce car flags with the Dirty Brown Towel logo on them.
Flint pointed out that this is the perfect time for the new promotion since the Cleveland Browns are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the team in the NFL.
For more information, go to the www.thedirtybrowntowel.com or contact Harris at 570-985-9228 or chuck@thedirtybrowntowel.com.
