Randy Lerner Completes Sale of Cleveland Browns

Randy Lerner has completed the sale of NFL franchise Cleveland Browns to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam III.

“This is a very exciting time for my family and me, erectile ” said Haslam. “To own such a storied franchise as the Cleveland Browns, seek with its rich tradition and history, is a dream come true.  We are committed to keeping the team in Cleveland and seeing it get back to the elite of the NFL – something all Browns fans want and deserve.  We plan to bring relentless dedication and hard work to every aspect of this organization, and we look forward to getting to know this team and community as quickly as possible.  Our family is committed to becoming an integral part of the Cleveland community. We also want to thank Randy Lerner for his friendship, counsel and support during this process.”

For the last 16 years, the 58-year old Haslam has been the CEO of Pilot Flying J Corporation, the nation’s largest retail operator of travel centers and truck stops.  A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Haslam and his wife, Susan “Dee” Bagwell Haslam, have three adult children, Jim, Whitney and Cynthia.

Randy Lerner assumed control of the Browns in October 2002 following the death of his father, Al.  The National Football League awarded the Cleveland franchise to Al Lerner on September 8, 1998.  The formal transfer of ownership from the Browns Trust to Lerner took place on October 23, 1998.

Lerner said: “I was approached regarding Mr. Haslam’s interest several weeks ago.  While as a fiduciary I have always felt it was my responsibility to listen to offers, I had not been approached with a proposal that felt as natural and complete as Mr. Haslam’s. He had done a lot of work on the Browns and the City of Cleveland and first and foremost gave me his personal assurance the team would remain in Cleveland.”

Cleveland has made the playoffs once since it rejoined the league, a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.