CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns kicked off their 2025 training camp with a bold new look, unveiling their “Alpha Dawg” alternate helmet on Wednesday in a ceremony that made waves—both figuratively and literally. The event, staged on a 20-foot barge floating on Lake Erie, showcased a sleek, all-brown helmet with dual orange stripes, but an unexpected tumble stole the spotlight. The Cleveland Browns new helmet reveal went about as you’d expect.
Oh, man.
The Browns, aiming to energize fans and lean into their gritty identity, chose a dramatic waterfront setting to reveal the helmet. The barge, anchored near downtown Cleveland, featured a massive inflatable helmet draped in a team tarp. As mascot Chomps and crew members began pulling the cover off, a videographer, engrossed in capturing the moment, shuffled too close to the edge. In a blink, he lost his footing and plunged into the chilly waters of Lake Erie, prompting gasps and laughter from onlookers.
Chomps, ever the quick thinker, tossed a life preserver to the soaked videographer, who emerged unharmed. A jet ski soon zipped in to assist, ensuring the mishap ended safely. The incident, caught on camera, spread like wildfire across social media, with fans dubbing it the “most Browns thing ever.” Some speculated the fall was a staged stunt to boost the reveal’s viral appeal, though no official confirmation supported the theory.
The helmet itself marks a nod to the Browns’ storied history, embracing the team’s namesake color in a way not seen since their early days. Paired with all-brown jerseys, the “Alpha Dawg” look will debut during three home games this season: September 21 against the Green Bay Packers, October 19 versus the Miami Dolphins, and December 7 against the Tennessee Titans. The design swaps the iconic orange helmet for a bold, monochromatic brown shell, accented by a brown facemask and a central stripe pattern.
Team executive JW Johnson emphasized the helmet’s significance, calling it a tribute to the Browns’ legacy and a symbol of their fierce, pack-leading mentality. The reveal, broadcast live on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show, also featured an animated short with a helmet-themed car race, adding flair to the announcement. Sponsor DUDE Wipes, prominently featured, sparked some chuckles given the brown color scheme, but the partnership underscored the team’s playful marketing approach.
A Cleveland Browns new helmet brings excitement to the banks of ‘The Land.
Despite the splashy gaffe, the Browns aim to shift focus to the field. Coming off a 3-14 season in 2024, the team faces a pivotal year with a crowded quarterback competition and roster changes. The new helmet, while a fresh aesthetic, won’t erase the challenges ahead. Fans, however, embraced the chaos, flooding social media with memes and quips about the lake plunge. For a franchise accustomed to adversity, the incident felt oddly fitting—a moment of levity in a city that loves its team, flaws and all.
As Cleveland gears up for camp, the “Alpha Dawg” helmet stands as a bold statement. Whether it signals a new era or just another viral blunder, only the season will tell.
What are your thoughts on the Cleveland Browns new helmet? Let us know in the comments below!
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The 2025 NASCAR schedule can be viewed here.
