Pontbriand going strong

07.27.2008

In a snap, Ryan Pontbriand made Browns history last season.

That is, he became the first member of the franchise to ever make the Pro Bowl as a long snapper. It had been the only position never represented by a Brown at the game.

Pontbriand was one of six Browns selected overall last year.

Not bad for someone who, when he was drafted in the fifth round in 2003 out of Rice, caused some Browns fans to scratch their heads.

Using a draft pick on a long snapper? How about a running back, defensive tackle or cornerback instead?

"It wasn't until a long time after I got here that I realized just how much of a stir it caused when the Browns picked me," Pontbriand said after Sunday's training camp practice. "To me, it always made perfect sense in that the Browns needed a long snapper at the time and they felt I was the best one out there."

Pontbriand had a tough act to follow. Ryan Kuehl, who left via free agency after the 2002 season, creating the hole at the position, was extremely accurate during his four years with the Browns. But Pontbriand has turned out to be just as accurate. Kicker Phil Dawson and punter/holder Dave Zastudil swear by him.

Word got around the league, which is why he got to the Pro Bowl.

"As a long snapper in the NFL, you're one of 32 in the whole world who do this job," Pontbriand said. "Then when you make the Pro Bowl, you're one of two in the world who are there.

"I guess that silences the critics I had when the Browns drafted me."

Long snappers fly under the radar in the NFL. It may be the least noticed position on a team -- until a snap goes awry and a kicker doesn't get to try the game-winning field goal. So Pontbriand was thrilled to get the chance to go to Hawaii.

"I wasn't looking for the recognition, but I'll gladly take it because it makes up for playing a spot that's not in the limelight," he said with a laugh. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go."

Just like Ryan Pontbriand, in terms of the Pro Bowl, is a once-in a-lifetime player for the Browns.