Kicker 
His business just happens to be kicking a football through a set of yellow goal posts on either side of a field that is 120 yards long by 53 yards wide.
That business is what he focused on Friday morning, even with news of Mr. Jimmy Haslam’s “interest in an investment” in the Cleveland Browns organization.
“I certainly didn’t expect to hear that today, but with all due respect to the significance of the news, it really doesn’t change anything for us out here,” Dawson said. “Our little world is out between these white lines. We’re going to focus on that. There are a lot of good things that are taking place. We just come out here; we play football; we try to do what our coaches say and we go home at night and go to bed. That’s pretty much how it goes.
“My job’s to kick the ball. Players’ jobs are to play and our jobs are pretty simple. I know it’s the sexy answer to talk about this stuff swirling around, but players really don’t feel that. I’m not going to make any characterization, other than to say that I’m excited to be here and go to work today.”
Dawson has done the job better than most at his position. He enters the 2012 season as the second-leading scorer in franchise history, behind only Pro Football Hall of Famer, the late Lou Groza. Dawson’s total of 1,155 points is less than 200 away from Groza’s mark of 1,349.
Dawson led the 2011 Browns in scoring with 92 points, 72 on field goals and 20 on extra points. He hopes to kick more points after touchdowns this fall.
“Certainly, we’re all optimistic right now and hopeful that we can get it pointed in the right direction,” Dawson said. “We’ve got to put the work in and we understand that. I like the vibe in the room, but time will tell if we get the job done.”
Friday was the first time the veterans had been on the field with the rookies since the end of organized team activities and minicamp practices in June. The players will participate in Saturday’s practice, which is the first of training camp open to the public.
While the team has not had much time to work together, Dawson “likes” what he sees on the field.
“There’s always the first day buzz, where everybody’s excited and positive and that’s how it should be,” Dawson said. “The guys seem to get along really well. We’ve got a lot of good things taking place here and I’m excited to see where this team can go.”
