Browns' Mayfield: Callaway has earned my respect

With his checkered collegiate career at Florida and his marijuana citation last week, Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Antonio Callaway may have to earn back the respect of his teammates.

For fellow rookie Baker Mayfield, however, Callaway's work on the field has already won him over.

"From me, he earned (my respect)," Mayfield said Tuesday, via ESPN's Ryan Isley. "I can't speak on everybody's behalf, but I hope it was the same way."

Callaway, Cleveland's fourth-round draft choice in 2018, had bullets and part of a Glock handgun in his car when he was cited for marijuana possession. His off-field red flags were a major factor in the talented pass-catcher's slide down draft boards; after declaring for the NFL draft, Callaway tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine.

But Mayfield, this year's No. 1 overall selection, understands the hardships that arise as a draft prospect. The former Oklahoma pivot was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and fleeing and resisting arrest during his junior season.

"When you have something like that, personally me, going through something like that I did at Oklahoma, you have to fight for it every day," Mayfield said. "You have to earn their respect back, and there is no question about it. That's his mentality I have seen, so I am happy to see that."

Callaway caught three passes for 87 yards in his preseason debut Thursday, including a 54-yard touchdown thrown by Mayfield. Head coach Hue Jackson claimed he played his young receiver extensively against the New York Giants as disciplinary action.

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