Hailing from the Cleveland area, I've been raised as a Cleveland Browns fan. I don't have a particular dedication to the NFL, but I will always root for the Browns as a matter of hometown pride. However, this often proves quite difficult. The Browns aren't necessarily the "best" team in our conference, the AFC, let alone the entire NFL.

My friend from Cincinnati constantly reminds me that Cincinnati is the only city in Ohio with a legitimate professional football team, alluding to the Browns' lack of prowess. But staying true to my city and my team has taught me a few life lessons.

1. Perseverance

Sometimes life (or the other team) will knock you down, but like the Browns, don't ever give up. There's always next week. Don't stay down for long but get back in the game and keep playing.

2. Hope

At the beginning of football season each year, my friends from home fill my social media newsfeed with statuses like, "This year is our year! Browns are going to the Super Bowl!" Then by the end of the season, the wording changes to, "Next year will be our year!" While this intense optimism is against my cynical nature, I can't help but feel inspired by their hope and try to work it into my own life.

3. You don't win every time

Or ever, really, if you're the Cleveland Browns. But the point is, everyone has their bad or "off" days, so don't let the dark times overwhelm you. There's a light at the end of every tunnel.

4. Hometown pride and a sense of community

If you're a Browns fan, you become part of a community with an unwavering sense of optimism, hope, and faith. We are known as "Believeland" for a reason. Being a Browns fan is a symbol of immense pride in the great city of Cleveland, Ohio. Even if the Browns stadium is occasionally called a "Factory of Sadness"

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