CLEVELAND - Jim Brown walked through the press box prior to Sunday's kick off between the Browns and Buffalo Bills wearing a Browns' Legend sports jacket and feeling at home.
It was Brown's first appearance at a game since he was removed from the Browns' payroll by president Mike Holmgren. Brown met with new owner James Haslam III Saturday for close to one hour and discussed a potential role in the front office.
"With his (Haslam's) positive attitude I'm going to support his efforts so that he'll have that backing of those that deal with me and give him the opportunity to do the things he wants to do," Brown said. "At some later date we can talk about a role I can play officially. In the beginning all I want to do is be an asset to him making a proper transition."
Haslam is anxious to welcome Brown back to the team.
"Jim and I both agree it makes total sense for him to be involved with the Browns," Haslam said. "We both agreed it didn't make sense to rush into anything. We exchanged cell numbers and agreed to talk on an as-needed basis. We'll get together at some to be determined time in the future. We had a really enjoyable visit. Aside from being a great football player, he's a great man."
Brown's previous role with the team was as an assistant advisor to former owner Randy Lerner. He flew from his California home to attend home and away games.
Shortly after being named president near the end of the 2009 season, Holmgren included Brown's role in budget cuts. Angered by the decision, Brown refused to attend any of the alumni events.
Brown changed his mind this year and was on hand for ceremonies last weekend surrounding the induction of Ernie Green and Clarence Scott into the Browns Legends.
Haslam won't officially assume control of the team until his ownership is approved by a vote of the other NFL owners next month. At that point whatever changes he has planned will begin to take shape.
"Transition is a very interesting time for anybody," Brown said. "None of us can say how it is going to be done, but it's going to take a lot of cooperation from various individuals to do it successfully and do it in a positive way."
Brown also met with Holmgren in a meeting he termed "positive." Holmgren could be part of the changes if Haslam, as has been reported, hires former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner to fill the same role.
"The interesting thing is all parties seem to be on the same page from the position we're in," Brown said. "We're all fighting for the same thing, which is to win, even those that might not be here."
Brown, 76, seemed content spending time with several ex-teammates and former players from other eras.
"A lot of the alumni said, 'welcome back,' " Brown said. "That was a very nice thing to hear because ultimately there's nothing I can be but a Brown. I didn't play for anyone else. I didn't set any records anywhere else. I didn't win any championships anywhere else. So I'm stuck with you guys, if you want me or not. There's nothing you could do. This is home."
