The Cleveland Browns clinched a playoff berth with their blowout win over the New York Jets this past Thursday, but tight end David Njoku wants everyone to know the Browns have their sights set on much bigger goals than just making the postseason.
“It means everything with all the adversity we’ve faced. We’re not done yet,” Njoku said, via Nick Karns of Network 216. “This is a great start, but we’ve got a lot more to prove.”
Njoku put forth a spectacular effort in the victory over the Jets, logging six catches for 134 yards. On the season overall, he has achieved career highs in receptions (81), receiving yards (882) and receiving touchdowns (six) in what has been a breakout campaign that many have been waiting for from Njoku.
“No matter where we go for the playoffs, we need everybody coming with us,” added Njoku. “This is so special for us, the city, the fans — everything. We are so grateful but like I said, we’re not done yet.”
Njoku, who played his collegiate football at the University of Miami, was selected by the Browns with the 29th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He played in every game during his rookie year, finishing with 32 catches for 386 yards and four scores. Then, the following year, Njoku looked like he was on the verge of a breakthrough, catching 56 passes for 639 yards while reaching the end zone four times.
Unfortunately, injuries limited Njoku to just four games in 2019, and in the succeeding two seasons, Njoku was a major disappointment, amassing a grand total of 55 receptions between 2020 and 2021.
The 27-year-old started to show signs of getting back on track last season when he snared 58 balls for 628 yards and four touchdowns, which was a precursor to his fantastic 2023 campaign.
Cleveland is 11-5 on the year and still has a chance of winning the AFC North, although the Baltimore Ravens (12-3) would have to lose their last two games for that to have a shot of happening.
David Njoku and the Browns will face the Cincinnati Bengals to wrap up the regular season on Jan. 7.
This marks just the third time Cleveland has made the playoffs since 2003.
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