Colt McCoy believes his Cleveland Browns teammates have made it a point to gather for player-only workouts this offseason because they're unwilling to accept another 5-11 season.
"My teammates are really willing to work hard, and that's what's made them so great," the quarterback told *The Plain Dealer* in a story for Friday's editions. "We don't accept the things that have happened, especially last year. We felt like we had the opportunity to win some games there and didn't get it done, so guys are really working hard, they're staying in shape and they're willing to make the extra effort."
McCoy and veteran Browns linebacker Scott Fujita are preparing for a full-squad session, but that will depend on how much longer the NFL lockout lasts. McCoy has gathered offensive players for two camps at the University of Texas, where he starred from 2006 to 2009. Players also staged workouts at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.
For McCoy, the fact that players were willing to pay their way shows their commitment to righting a ship that has been lost for some time.
"Guys were willing to pay a little extra money for their flights and for their meals when we got together, and it's all going to be worth it," McCoy said. "The turnouts have been great, and it's all going to pay off during the season. I'm just proud of all of them for putting forth the effort."
McCoy, entering his second season, noted that veterans have pitched in to help unpaid rookies and free agents attend.
"We do everything we can as a team to make sure everybody can get there," he said. "The rookies and free agents don't have any money, so we definitely make sure that all the guys that want to be there, can be."
Rookie wide receiver Greg Little joined his new teammates at the June 9-11 workouts in Texas, giving McCoy a first look at the player who could end up being his No. 1 wideout in time.
"It was great having Greg there," McCoy said. "He's in shape, he ran great routes and he has good hands. Drafting him as high as they did, I think the coaches have high expectations for him. It was good to get him with Mo (Mohamed Massaquoi), (rookie tight end) Jordan Cameron, Brian Robiskie, Ben Watson and Evan Moore. Those guys kind of took him under their wing and taught him a little bit."