The Cleveland Browns have named Fred Nance as its general counsel.
Nance, a partner of law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer nonetheless that he will “probably be spending the majority of my time with the Browns.”
He added that he was encouraged about his proposed role on the team, telling the paper:
“I’m going to have the opportunity to share my thoughts in a variety of ways,” Nance said. “The team has many needs right now. It’s a very good fit.”
Elaborating, Nance added that, “Some of the things I’ll be giving advice on may be outside the technical aspects of law. I think I can be involved in a broad range of matters. So, we’ll see.”
The appointment may also send ripples across the NFL, given the fact that he was a finalist from among 206 initial candidates to replace NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue when he retired in 2006.
“I see him not only as legitimate, I see him as a qualified, committed, lawyer, professional, and leader,” Browns Owner Randy Lerner told the paper. “He’s at the top of his profession in Cleveland. He’s got an identity in football. He’s got an identity with the Browns. The Browns owe him a debt of gratitude indefinitely.”
