Cleveland partyers can show some love for Josh Former Browns teammate Steve Sanders want to throw a party honoring Josh Cribbs, pictured. Cribbs, on the other hand, wants a party to honor his fans. OK, sports fans. You can put the phone down and raise a glass.
At 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Browns fans can show their support for Josh Cribbs — without having to call in to some sports talk show.
That’s when View Ultralounge and Nightclub, 618 Prospect Ave., will host the Josh Cribbs Pro Bowl Party.
The bash will toast the Pro Bowler, who will be there along with Cleveland Browns players Lawrence Vickers, Brian Robiske and Syndric Steptoe. “I want to show Josh how much I appreciate him,” says former Brown Steve Sanders. “Not only as a former teammate, but also as a close friend.”
Sanders, an East High grad, played with the Browns from 2006 to 2008. He spent last year in the upstart United Football League, but is hoping to get a chance to play with the Browns yet again.
“I’d love nothing more than a chance to come back,” says Sanders.
And not just because Sanders is a lifelong Browns fan. He’d love to play with his buddy again.
“Josh lays it all on the line, whether returning a kick or lining up in the wildcat formation or running downfield to make a tackle,” says Sanders. “You see him smiling while he’s playing, and it’s infectious.”
But it’s Cribbs’ off-field attitude that strikes Sanders.
“He loves this city,” says Sanders. “And not just playing here — he’s also very supportive of the local music scene, hip-hop guys like Preme.”
Cribbs also loves Angie’s Soul Food on Superior Avenue — where Cribbs and Sanders go often. Sanders’ motivation for Thursday’s bash was merely to honor Cribbs. When he ran it by Cribbs, he was struck by his ex-teammate’s response.
“It’s funny, I told him that he deserves a party in his honor,” says Sanders. “And the first thing out of Josh’s mouth was, ‘I’d like to express to my fans how much I like playing for them.'”
Also: Barley House, 1261 West 6th Street, will host an event with Cribbs from 7 – 9 p.m. prior to the View party
