Baxter's contract terminated

08.09.2008

If this were the Boston Marathon, then Gary Baxter would have heroically persevered through the first 26 miles.

Unfortunately, it's the last 385 yards that separated him and the finish line -- at least for now.

The veteran defensive back's improbable nearly two-year comeback from two severely damaged knees -- one of the most remarkable injury stories in the history of the Browns, if not the NFL overall -- has been brought to a halt.

It's not immediately clear if the 29-year-old Baxter might try to play for the Browns or another NFL down the road.

"Last year we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback," said Phil Savage, Cleveland Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager, in a statement released by the team on Saturday afternoon. "After he underwent a knee scope last week, we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year. We are releasing Gary today in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team, or possibly with the Browns. Gary has made tremendous strides thus far and we believe he can play professional football again in the future."

The eight-year pro had vowed from the outset that he would return to play again for the Browns after suffering two torn patella tendons while jumping to defend a pass in an Oct. 22, 2006 game against the Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The rare double torn patella injury, believed to have been suffered by only one other professional athlete, former Chicago Bears wide receiver Wendell Davis 15 years ago, literally crippled him.

His comeback talk seemed nothing more than that. But he was ultra-diligent with his rehabilitation, so much so, in fact, that, less than 11 months later, in September 2007, he suprised many by making the Browns' opening-day roster.

He was listed as inactive for the first six games of the season, and was finally placed onto Injured Reserve, thus ending his season.

Baxter worked just as hard this past offseason to continue his comeback and gradually was finally able to participate in most of training camp. More and more, it looked like he was going to fully defy the odds and play in a regular-season game. He was playing safety after having previously been a cornerback, as the Browns thought that position might be easier on his knees.

A highlight of camp came when Davis, participating in Browns general manager Phil Savage's apprenticeship program, got to meet Baxter and spend some time with him. Both men said afterward it was therapeutic for them.

But then Baxter hit another obstacle when, a little more than a week later, the pain in his knees forced him to have arthroscopic surgery earlier this week.