Browns announce retirements of former wide receiver, linebacker

The Browns announced the retirements of two of their former draft selections on Tuesday.

Wide receiver Rashard Higgins, a fifth-round pick (No. 172) by Cleveland in 2016, and linebacker Christian Kirksey, a third-round pick (No. 71) by the team in 2014, are planning to sign one-day contracts with the organization to make their retirements from football official.

"We are thrilled that Rashard and Christian wanted to come back and retire as Cleveland Browns," executive vice president JW Johnson said. "Both players obviously made an impact on the field, but they each made a lasting impression in the Cleveland community as well. It's a testament to who they are as individuals, and we are honored to have them retire as part of our Browns family."

Higgins played six seasons (2016-21) with the Browns, posting 137 catches for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2022, he joined the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal but never saw any production on the field.

Kirksey played six seasons (2014-19) in Cleveland as well. He totaled 463 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, 16 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries during that time.

The 31-year-old also served as a captain in each of his final three seasons with the Browns.

Unlike Higgins, Kirksey was still able to be productive near the end of his NFL career. 

In 2020, he had 78 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and four passes defensed with the Green Bay Packers. Then from 2021-22, Kirksey registered 217 tackles, three sacks, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 13 passes defensed with the Houston Texans.

Neither Higgins nor Kirksey was ever named to a Pro Bowl or earned any league honors, but both players were impactful on their respective sides of the ball for nearly half a decade and deserve some recognition because of it.