Lawrence Schmitz
"During every Cleveland Browns home game since 1985, 2024 Cleveland Browns NFL Fan of the Year nominee and Marine Corps Veteran Lawerence "Larry" Schmitz is parked in his seat with a hot dog and a diet pop in hand ready to cheer on his hometown team from the first whistle to the last.
From the day he purchased season tickets 40 years ago, Larry used the Browns as an opportunity to bond with those closest to him. Initially, Larry bought season tickets with his oldest brother but has since shared his love for the Browns with his five children and 11 grandchildren. Larry said he has been taking his kids and grandchildren to games from the time they were able to walk. His daughter, Katie, who attended games during all but one season since 1999 said growing up their household lived for the Cleveland Browns - to her father's credit.
But before becoming a Browns season ticket holder, Larry fell in love with football at a young age, playing the game next to a grass lot adjacent to the former Ohio Bell Building from the time he was five years old with friends in the neighborhood. He has been a fan of the Browns since he was young after hearing stories from his older brother about attending the 1964 NFL Championship game. Since then, Larry's love for football, the city of Cleveland and the Browns have grown. When asked about what makes this community so special, he had a simple response: "The Browns aren't anywhere else. Why would I leave?"
Larry served two-and-a-half years in the Marine Corps citing he needed discipline in his life. Since handing the permission papers to his father, Larry represents his branch proudly. During the Browns Salute to Service Game at Huntington Bank Field the past two seasons, he's had the opportunity to hold the flag with other service members for the National Anthem on the field. In 2023, Katie shared this moment with her father adding to the long line of memories created with the Browns."