DBN exclusive interview with Browns TE Blake Whiteheart: His speed, blocking Myles Garrett, rookie QBs and more

25 questions with a tight end that should become an integral part of the offense with the return of two-TE sets

After last season, the Cleveland Browns had some hard decisions to make about their personnel, especially at the tight end group.

RELATED: BROWNS TENDER TWO EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

Veteran Jordan Akins was brought in to become an acquaintance chess piece for QB Deshaun Watson, except Watson missed so many games with various injuries, the familiar presence wasn’t needed. Besides, Akins wasn’t lighting it up in the production department anyway, so when his two-year deal ran out, Cleveland just didn’t call.

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Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku ended the year on IR, and at season’s end, it was just Akins, veteran Blake Whiteheart, and rookie Brendan Bates.

Whiteheart (6’-4”, 247 pounds) entered the offseason as an exclusive-rights free agent, and the Browns tendered him on March 4 before free agency officially began on March 12 to ensure they didn’t lose him. The Browns have stated they are going back to running the ball, and Whitehead is known as an excellent blocker.

He grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attended Mount Tabor High School, where he played football and lacrosse. Get this: all four years of high school, he was named an All-Forsyth County selection. Whiteheart earned All-Region and State Honorable Mention honors in lacrosse as well. He had college football offers from Wake Forest, Appalachian State, Colorado State, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss. He chose Wake Forest and was a COVID athlete, in which he had five college seasons.

His career stats at Wake Forest included 50 games played, 44 receptions for 541 yards with six touchdowns, and a 12.3 yards per reception average. Prior to his senior year, he was named to the Mackey Award watch list given out to the nation’s best tight end.

After his senior season, he received an invite to the 2023 East-West Shrine Game. Whitehead went undrafted and then signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he made the final 53-man roster but was released the next day, then signed to the practice squad. Later, he played two games with Arizona.

The following year, he was released on the final cutdown after the Cardinals’ training camp. Two days later, the Browns inked him as they were forming their own practice squad. He ended up playing 11 games with two starts for Cleveland. Whiteheart had 207 snaps on offense (17.54%) and 111 snaps on special teams (23.87%).

Who can forget Whitehead’s juggling catch he made in the second half of the Browns’ 24-19 win over division foe Pittsburgh Steelers? The sensational catch gained 29 yards in the driving snow, where visibility from receiver to quarterback was next to nothing, yet Whitehead snagged the pass. The play moved Cleveland from their own 35-yard line to the Steelers’ 36. The drive ended with a touchdown plus a two-point conversion for an 18-6 lead in the third quarter.

Whiteheart’s X handle is @BlakeWhiteheart, while his Instagram is @blakewhiteheart17.

Whiteheart has been married for one year to his college sweetheart, Sophia. The Christian couple doesn’t have any children yet. Dawgs by Nature’s Barry Shuck was able to catch up with Whiteheart right before training camp is set to begin to discuss how this year’s offense will look, that circus catch he gathered in the driving snow last year against the Steelers, and what Myles Garrett did to him on his first play during his first practice with the Browns.

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DBN: You were named All-Forsyth County all four years during your time at Mount Tabor High School. Has anyone in the history of North Carolina high school football ever been named to this distinction before?

Whiteheart: My high school years are still a mystery. They are all jumbled up together. My parents never pushed me hard to play sports. I was tall, but never had the ambition to play college. I just happened to grow big and tall, and my coach in my sophomore year told me that if I worked at it, I would have a chance at a scholarship with my physical attributes. My high school career was what it was. I never cared about the accolades. I was playing sports because it was fun. It wasn’t until my junior year that I had the ambition to play at the college level. Neither of my parents went to college, and I wanted to get a college degree.

DBN: What did you like about playing lacrosse? Did you get any college offers?

Whiteheart: That is what I thought I would play in college. I always played with kids who were two years older than me because of my size. I wanted to get out of football as a kid, so I started playing lacrosse and didn’t get back into football until my freshman year of high school. I fell in love with lacrosse and loved the speed of the game. I got really good at it and was part of a travel team. I loved the freedom of it, where you make your plays and make your own shots. I really enjoyed that and thought that was going to be my sport in college. That was my ambition to play college lacrosse. I started playing in the fifth grade and played travel all throughout middle school. A lot of my travel team went to my high school, so we had a good team at that level. We competed in the playoffs a few times. The East Coast is riddled with talented lacrosse teams. Never made it to a state championship, but was always a solid team. And once I found out that I had a serious shot at a college football scholarship, I put college lacrosse on the back burner. I put more time into football and just played lacrosse to stay in shape. One of my secret pleasures is watching college lacrosse.

DBN: You had quite a few college football offers. Why Wake Forest? And is it true that you signed your intent to Wake on your birthday?

Whiteheart: I grew up five minutes from Wake and was my first Power 5 offer. I wasn’t the smartest high school student. My parents told me that this degree was the best I could get on the table right now, and at the time, I had no ambition to play in the NFL. I thought I just wanted to get the best degree I could get and see where that took me. My sister went to NC State, but they had no interest in me. I wanted to commit before my senior season, which I thought would be insurance for my health in case I got injured, and Wake honored that which was important to me. And Wake was local and close to my family. I signed on my 17^th birthday and enrolled with Wake early in December.

DBN: Raised in North Carolina, did you grow up a Carolina Panthers fan?

Whiteheart: I didn’t really watch a lot of sports growing up, I love to fish and hunt, and was an outdoors kid. I raced motocross a lot when I was little. I thought that was really what I would end up doing. Santa brought me a Honda 50 when I was four years old. My dad built me a track in my backyard, so I was ripping the dirt bikes in the backyard. I was a Panthers fan by default. I didn’t have a favorite player and didn’t know every player’s name. I just watched them casually.

DBN: Coming out of Wake Forest, you were timed at 4.7 in the 40. How does a guy your size travel that fast?

Whiteheart: Actually, I was really disappointed with that. I think right now I am faster than that. I was hoping to run in the low 4-6’s and was expecting 4-5’s the way my training was going. Clearly, I didn’t do that. Why? I don’t know. I appreciate you telling me that it’s fast. The training that you do for the Combine is predicated on speed. I don’t think a lot of people know that. You do lifts and do a lot of mechanics. You want to turn into a sprinter. These are things we have never done as athletes until this time because a lot of us are sloppy runners with sloppy mechanics. It takes a lot of work to get those times down.

DBN: After going undrafted, how many calls did your agent get about signing a free agent deal, and why did you choose the Arizona Cardinals?

Whiteheart: If I remember correctly, it was four or five teams. If you didn’t know, right after the draft, it is chaos, and it happens so fast. You get 30 phone calls from coaches in an hour, all asking different questions before you get an actual offer. Before the draft, you get relationships with different people from different teams that are looking at drafting you. My agent and I did a really good job of looking at the teams that were interested. Then we looked at the rosters. Then we looked at what type of scheme they run, and Drew Petzing with the Cardinals, who used to be with the Browns. They run a lot of two and three-tight end sets. For me, that gave me the best opportunity to make a final roster. And I prayed about which was an important part. I lot of decisions I need Him to be the voice and guide me.

DBN: So, after your rookie training camp with the Cardinals, you made the final cut and were officially a member of their 53-man roster. One day later, they released you, then signed you to the practice squad. We can only imagine the emotions you must have gone through in such a short time.

Whiteheart: Obviously, the day that I found out I had made the team, I was super excited. It was hard for me to pick up that Pro-Style offense because I didn’t come from that. I had never seen those types of concepts. For one, I had never been in a huddle before. The style of runs, the style of passes were all new, like I was just learning football from Day 1. I was just swimming and was trying to keep my head above water. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I made the team initially and was super grateful. I was told that if you make the two final cuts, then you are in the clear. A day later, they cut me for reasons I don’t know. We had just had a practice, and afterwards I was told about what was happening and told me the news. I was still grateful because here I was, an undrafted player, and I had made the team. That is what ended up happening, and then I was signed to their practice squad for 10 weeks. Disappointed, but grateful, I was still in the NFL and still had opportunities in front of me.

DBN: You spent all of two weeks on the Browns’ practice squad before being promoted to the main roster just prior to the Week 3 game against the New York Football Giants. How did you find out you were being placed on the active roster, and who was the first person you told?

Whiteheart: I was on the p-squad for two weeks, and David twisted his ankle in the first game against the Cowboys. At the time, they only had two tight ends on the active roster. That was an advantage for me because what are the chances of having two guys being healthy all year? I played in Week 2 against Jacksonville because David was ruled out. They told me that they were bringing me up and liked what they had seen of me in preseason with the Cardinals, and we need you. My position coach, Tommy Rees, was the one who told me. I was at home when I got the text from Tommy that they were bringing me up to the main roster. I told my wife I might be a bit busy this week and had to learn as much as I could from the playbook.

DBN: You played two games for the Cards and 11 games with Cleveland. What are the main differences between the two franchises?

Whiteheart: The Cardinals were a lot younger team. There were a lot fewer 7-8-9-year vets on the Cardinals, and it seemed to be a lot more urgency about where guys were supposed to be and a lot more teaching because of youth. The Browns are a lot more seasoned team. My year in Arizona, the coaching staff was new, and everything was new. A lot of the veterans here in Cleveland have been with the team for a long time. It is also a seasoned staff. This is what I thought the NFL would be like, with a lot more older guys who own homes with families and kids. Except there is no sweet tea here. I grew up in North Carolina, and you drink sweet tea.

DBN: The Browns’ offensive line is very experienced. Do they treat you as an extension of their room?

Whiteheart: Yes, they do. And the more experience, the better with the offensive line, which gives everyone more confidence. You play as a collective. It is refreshing because you have older guys like Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin, who take you under their wing and teach you. They have that veteran presence about them. So, when you are out there playing and trying to figure out what to next and things get crazy on the field, with the older guys, they are cool as a cucumber. For me, it’s a positive to have such great talent around me. When we are in the offensive line room, we are an extension of their group with the run game and protection. We are the jack-of-all-trades guys who are asked to do a bunch of jobs.

DBN: What was your “welcome to the NFL moment” as a player?

Whiteheart: That is a great question. In the snow game against the Steelers, here I am against some big-name guys, and I am having to hit T.J. Watt. But my moment would have to be on my first day at Browns practice. On my first play, I am in a two-point stance, and I am basically trapping the end, kinda pinning him. And it’s Myles Garrett. I’m like, “Gosh! Perfect!” He is a super smart player, so I am sure he knew that I was going to pin him. I jumped the snap so that I could get to him, then he runs right through me and like a seven-yard loss in practice. That was my first play as a Cleveland Brown. Now, I honestly play against him as much as I can in practice. I won’t say I win too much, but if I can block him, I can block anybody. Every time I go against him, I learn something. He’s the best, and if you want to get better, go up against the best. If I tie with him, it’s a victory, or if he moves slowly. He’s a special player.

DBN: In Week 12 against the Steelers at home in the snow, you made a sensational catch that gained 29 yards. In the first half, the weather wasn’t that bad, but the snow was really coming down at that point in the game. How were you able to a) see the ball coming your way, and b) catch a slippery football?

Whiteheart: I was running my route to clear out the underneath route, trying to pull the safety over to cover me. And at some point, I turned back to see who had caught the ball so that I could start blocking, and which direction to move my defender and transition into a blocker. Because I was covered. And as I turn back, I see this brown thing floating towards me, and I am thinking, “Oh, my gosh.” As a last-ditch effort, I had to jump up and try to tip it to myself. I was not expecting the ball there. I couldn’t see the line, or Jameis for that matter, so I never saw the ball thrown. And my hands were freezing and wet from the snow. It was just one of those crazy catches. I was surprised I saw it, and surprised I caught it.

DBN: What was it like playing in that much snow?

Whiteheart: It was awesome to be honest. That was the coolest game I have ever played in. That was the first big snow I had ever seen, and now I was playing in it with flakes the size of quarters. It stuck and built up as the game kept going. And playing against the Steelers at home, in a division game that you want to win. It was gritty and cold. When you think of tough, gritty football, that was the game. It was so awesome to be a part of it, and we won. That made it so much sweeter.

DBN: You are definitely not a player who goes down easily on the first hit. Is this just great natural balance or good coaching?

Whiteheart: I can’t say that I have been coached on balance. It’s the tight end mentality: you never want to be tackled by one person, and you never want to run out-of-bounds. You always want to be the punisher. Every tight end in the world has been told that. You want to make them pay for trying to tackle you, and want them to feel it. Every time you get the ball, you are seeking contact. I am not the most elusive player, but I am going to make someone pay. That’s just how you have to be. Catch it, get north and south, then lower your shoulder.

DBN: Plans for the new stadium seem to be moving along. What is your opinion of the Browns building a dome?

Whiteheart: I’d like to say that I have no big opinion about it, but I really don’t. I see both sides of the plan. I can’t speak for any other player, but we just want the fans to be there and be a part of games. I couldn’t care less where we play. To some, it’s important to be able to play in the cold and be tough. I get that. But I also see the benefit for players to play in a controlled temperature. Playing outside, it kinda makes the Browns who they are. When teams have to come play in 10-degree weather, where it may snow, you have to buckle up and change your game plan. I see both sides and am unbiased. I just love having the place packed, and everyone tailgating is the coolest thing. It’s so much bigger than yourself. Everywhere you drive around, Browns flags are hanging. It’s such a huge pride for this city. I have loved seeing that since I arrived in Cleveland. As a player, you want to win for your city and your brothers who play next to you each week.

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

DBN: What are your personal goals for this year?

Whiteheart: I am in that limbo stage. I put out some good tape from last year and want to make the 53 again, then carve out a bigger role. Whether that be blocking in the run game or when pass blocking, or catching throws. I want to be a consistent player. I couldn’t care less about my stats, but I really care about this team and love the area. I can see team success and want to be a part of that. I can play fullback, or in-line tight end, or split out wide, or play tight.

DBN: You came to the Browns as a solid blocker, but the truth is, you have really good hands with great grip strength. If your route tree was expanded, do you think this offense will throw the ball more your way?

Whiteheart: That is the decision for the OC and Stefanski. You have to earn your touches. I think camp is the time I can earn those plays and targets, and have confidence and humility. I am not guaranteed, so I have to earn everything that is in front of me. I just want to prove to the coaching staff that I am reliable in the passing game. And if I need to work on other routes, then try to get all of it down without having to think about it. I have already proven myself as a dependable blocker. That is how the NFL works. They aren’t going to hand you 10 targets a game just because you suit up on Sunday. You have to earn those targets.

DBN: Do you think the Browns have all of the pieces together for a successful season this year?

Whiteheart: It starts with us, and we just have to buy in. There is a cap for a reason in this league, so every team starts off the same with a pretty level playing field when it comes to rosters. We have every piece we need; we just have to commit to the process before us with training camp coming up. Just buy in – that’s all it is. Dial into the work, and know that every other team is working just as hard as we are. I loved these OTAs and was full of energy. I am excited that camp is finally here, and I get to mix it up. Right now, we have the opportunity to turn things around from last season.

DBN: You seem to enjoy the physical confrontation of blocking. Why are you willing to take on the bigger defenders?

Whiteheart: One, it’s what they ask me to do, and two, there is something to be said about not backing down. I want to show that this defender is not getting by me. It’s a little bit of “chip on your shoulder.” There are tight ends that are great route runners, and tight ends that are good blockers. I take pride in both. I don’t want the defender in front of me to think that just because I am not an offensive tackle that they can run right past me. I want to be the guy who weighs 250 but plays like he is 315. It’s what football is: it’s hitting people.

DBN: You have had limited time working with the quarterbacks so far, but how do the two rookie QBs look to you?

Whiteheart: They made the most of their opportunities. Both had flashes at times with a great throw or a good read. You can see why we drafted them and see their capabilities. I can’t imagine playing quarterback in the NFL and being a rookie. That is the hardest position in football because they get the ball every play. Their best football is ahead of them.

DBN: Your position coach from last year is now the OC. What are you expecting this upcoming season with this Tommy Rees offense?

Whiteheart: It’s no secret. He came from Alabama and Notre Dame and had a lot of success in both places. He likes to run the ball. That is what the Browns are all about. He is brilliant when it comes to scheme and knowing his players. He is super-personable. That is important when you are an OC. You have to get to know players and figure out what they are good at and use those skills to the team’s advantage. Tommy is very good at evaluating talent and gives a lot of attention to detail. In a Pro-Style offense, that’s what it is: getting into man-to-man situations. It’s about schematics. Knowing which players you want to run which routes. The most growth I have had as a player was when he was my tight ends coach. He understands the game so well and, for me, was able to make the hard concepts very simple. As a player, that is what you want. Less thinking and more reaction, which makes you confident in what you know. Tommy is really in a good spot.

DBN: As long as David Njoku is healthy, he is the starter. Jordan Akins was not re-signed, so both the TE2 and TE3 positions are wide open. Then Browns GM Andrew Berry drafted Harold Fannin in the third round, who led the nation in receiving yards, plus signed UFL player Sal Cannella. What do you have to do to become that TE2?

Whiteheart: Keep playing good football. Harold is a great player and will make this offense better with the football in his hands. There is no doubt. My role is the utility guy. Catch the ball when it’s thrown to me, and block to help the run game. That is the focus for me in this year’s camp: whatever is asked of me, I can do. I can play so many versatile positions, whether it’s in the backfield, or an extra tackle, line up as a receiver, in-line, or at fullback. There are so many ways to use a tight end and be trusted to come through.

DBN: Last year, the offense got away from Stefanski’s West Coast offensive style. We have been told that the Browns will get back to running the ball. Are you in favor of this?

Whiteheart: Of course. Any football scholar will tell you that if you can’t run the ball right, you can’t throw the ball. And when you run the ball well for most of the game, you can see it on the faces of the defensive players. They’re tired. It’s a slap in the face to the defense.

DBN: Where are some of your wife Sophia’s and your favorite places to eat in the area?

Whiteheart: We have been to Little Italy a few times. Our favorite place is the Marble Room. It reminds me of a big bank with huge pillars. My wife loves sushi, and I’ve come to love sushi because I am married to her. But their steak is really good, and so are their scallops. They also have a good seabass from time to time. I used to be a chicken finger kid, but my wife has opened me up to a variety of foods. I do love good fried catfish and grits, with sweet tea. And North Carolina pulled pork Bar-B-Q, but I haven’t found a good Q place yet. I am big on smoking meat myself so basically that is taken care of. And we do eat in most of the time. In Medina, there is a place called Thyme2 that is really good. If anyone has any recommendations, let me know. I’m trying to explore. And for pizza, I love II Rione. Fantastic pizza.

DBN: What should Cleveland Browns fans expect out of you this year?

Whiteheart: I am a team player and want my team to win. I am going to show up every Sunday and give it my all. Make Cleveland proud. It’s cool to be driving in and see the parking lot riddled with people. That inspires me.