Cameron Jordan was a first-round pick in 2011, but apparently the Cleveland Browns thought they were going to get a steal.
Every fantasy football league has one. The guy that comes to an in person draft, but is mostly there to socialize and isn’t really paying attention beyond a “oh, it’s my turn.” Then in about the fifth round, he’ll try taking a “sleeper” that went off the board two or three rounds ago. Defensive end Cameron Jordan was drafted 24th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, but into the following round the Cleveland Browns were that guy that donates his entry fee to your fantasy league pot every year.
This week in Atlanta, site of Super Bowl LIII of course, The Dan Patrick Show is introducing each guest with some joking asides to their playing or coaching resume. Jordan was a guest on Wednesday morning’s show, and the intro for him was written to laud the credentials of former NFL tight end Jordan Cameron.
Patrick asked Jordan if he had ever been mistaken for Jordan Cameron. Turns out, Jordan had that fake confusion play out for him in real life.
On Day 2 of that draft, Jordan was on his way home from the airport when a call from the Browns came.
I got a call from the Browns … they were like, ‘Hey, we’re about to select you. I was like, ‘I’m good, actually. I think I’ve already been selected.’”
I’ll take two signing bonuses,” Jordan told Patrick, “but I refuse to go to Cleveland.
The Browns eventually took Jordan Cameron in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, and he played four seasons for them. He played two more seasons for the Miami Dolphins (2015 and 2016), finishing with 173 receptions for 2,046 yards and 14 touchdowns in 66 career games (if you were curious).
Meanwhile Cameron Jordan just completed his eighth NFL season (without missing a game), with no sign he’s headed for retirement, and he earned the fourth Pro Bowl selection of his career this year. It’s safe to say he’d have become a good player regardless of which team drafted him, but avoiding playing for the Browns in the midst of their run of futility was a good start.