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Courtesy Phil Coale, AP
Ah, how the mighty have fallen.
In 1999, Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch was the first player taken in the draft.
Couch was the then-expansion Cleveland Browns first-ever draft selection in the team's new era. He was to be the franchise's savior – the city's future. He'd play for 12 seasons and lead the Browns to several Super Bowl victories, at least this is what the organization and fans had hoped.
Insert irritating squelch noise here.
The fairy-tale ride that never really generated any speed anyway came to a screeching halt when Couch was hurt in 2003. He hasn't played in the NFL since.
Prior to his injury, Couch was slightly above awful in five seasons with the Browns.
Now, the former top pick is back in the NFL, as a third string backup in Jacksonville.
What an amazing, if circuitous, ride Couch has had.
From glory boy at Kentucky, to media darling in the NFL, to crying on national TV, to being released, to spending three full seasons away from the game to signing for the veteran league minimum to play backup to the backup.
I never liked Couch much as a quarterback, but I do have some pity for him.
I have no pity for anyone who’s been fortunate enough to play professional sports. I do believe Couch was set up to fail in Cleveland.
Nobody, besides an offensive lineman, could have played above average for that team in their first five seasons.