Love - Timeout Story

An account taken from former Brown’s coach, Sam Rutigliano, about his relationship with quarterback Brian Sipe.

"In 1979 we were undefeated and were playing the Monday night games against the undefeated Dallas Cowboys. Brian's father had come to town for the entire week. It was a wonderful time for the team and for Brian.

"That same year we were playing our second game against Pittsburgh and Brian's father died. Brian stayed in the game. We lost 33-30 in the final seconds of overtime, but Brian was focused on the game the whole time and played for the team and his father."

Then of course, there is the now infamous play of January 4, 1981. It was the AFC Divisional Playoff Game. Oakland was playing Cleveland right here at Municipal Stadium.

The Browns were trailing 14-12 and there was just under a minute to play. The Browns had the ball on the 19 yard line. Brian Sipe called the fatal play "Red Right 88" and threw a pass that was intercepted in the end zone by Oakland's Mike Davis. Oakland went on to win the game and the Super Bowl, the only wild card team to accomplish that goal.

The fans went crazy; they could not believe they lost. The Raiders were ecstatic. Sipe was devastated. He knew what that game meant to Cleveland fans, and to his team. He walked off the field dejected and crestfallen. His coach, Sam Rutigliano, ran up to him, put his arm around him and said "I love you."

"What else could I say? I did love him. A football play does not make a person what he is. He needed to hear it."

What do you think was said about Brian after the game by the media and fans (people that did not know him personally)?

What did coach Rutgliano say to Brian?

What is said to a person on this team after a mistake is made?

What do you think they need to hear?