Miles Austin wore No. 19 during his seven years with the Dallas Cowboys, and no player wears that number with the Cleveland Browns. Austin is free to keep his same number as he begins the next chapter if his career, but he wanted to do it the classy way. That’s why he sought permission from a former Brown to wear No. 19.
The one and only Bernie Kosar wore No. 19 while he played in Cleveland from 1985-1993. Austin felt he should ask Bernie first before coming in and wearing his number as the new guy in town.
New @Browns #MilesAustin asked #Bernie if he could wear #19 & said "he would wear it w/ pride & utmost respect!" CLASS begets CLASS!
— Mark Munch Bishop (@MunchCleveland) May 19, 2014
Kosar’s best seasons were with the Browns, and he appreciated the classy gesture from the team’s newest receiver.
Miles Austin coming to Cleve&we texted this mini camp wkend!His Respect& Appreciation of The Game IS AWESOME!
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) May 20, 2014
As Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk reminded us, No. 19 is not retired by the Browns. However, former wide receiver Frisman Jackson wore the number in 2004 and was inexplicably assigned a different number the following season. He is the only player to wear No. 19 in Cleveland since Kosar retired in 1993.
I’m sure the fans will appreciate Austin’s approach until his hamstrings act up.
