Ezeakunne Signs With Browns

ORANGE, Calif. – Former Chapman tight end Anthony Ezeakunne signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 22, becoming the third Panther to sign an NFL contract. He finished a four-year career with the Panthers in 2014.

Ezeakunne was a two-time All-SCIAC first team selection at tight end, helping the Panthers to two of the best seasons in school history. He hauled in 30 receptions for 364 yards and five touchdowns while appearing in 25 games.

As a junior, the native of Bellflower, Calif. grabbed career-highs in in receptions (14), receiving yards (173) and touchdowns (3). He had 12 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown as a senior. Ezeakunne also helped clear the way for a potent Panther running attack that averaged 256.6 yards per game in 2014.

With Ezeakunne at tight end, Chapman won its first SCIAC championship in 2014 and made its first appearance in the NCAA Championship. The Panthers finished with an 8-2 record and a perfect 7-0 mark in the SCIAC. They went 8-1 in 2013 and finished second in the SCIAC with a 6-1 mark.

The two-time All-Conference selection joins two former Panthers to sign NFL contracts. Kicker Matt George played with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998 and Michael Carter signed with the New York Jets in 2004.

Ezeakunne immediately joined the Browns in their preseason camp. The Browns next preseason game in Saturday, Aug. 29 when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7 p.m. EDT.