BEREA — Since a handful of NFL players have appeared on “Dancing with the Stars,” Browns cornerback Eric Wright decided to perform his own prime-time routine.
The second-year pro paid homage to his hero, Deion Sanders, by high-stepping his way into the end zone on a 94-yard interception return Monday against the New York Giants. He then broke into Sanders’ signature dance under the goal post while the home fans roared their approval.
“That’s something I’ve been planning since I was 8,” a smiling Wright said. “Everybody dreams about playing on Monday Night Football in front of a big crowd and scoring a touchdown. I knew what I was doing and I knew I was going to dance. It was definitely exciting and well worth the wait.”
Wright’s big game got even bigger Wednesday when he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He collected three solo tackles, broke up two passes and scored the first touchdown of his career in Cleveland’s 35-14 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions.
The biggest reward for Wright’s breakthrough game, though, wasn’t the award he received from the NFL. It was a congratulatory text message that Sanders sent him, continuing their friendship that began midway through last season.
“I grew up in San Francisco watching Deion play and I idolized him to a certain extent,” Wright said. “Now that I’ve gotten to know him, I’ve learned he’s such a down-to-earth person and is so humble.
“Knowing he’s willing to help young guys out and is there to support people around the league makes me respect him even more.”
Having Sanders as a mentor can only help the 23-year-old, who was plagued by immature behavior while attending USC and Nevada-Las Vegas, but has grown up since being picked by the Browns in the third round of the 2007 draft.
Through five games this season, Wright is tied for fourth in the NFL with three interceptions and ranks second with 131 return yards. He also is third on the team with 25 tackles and is making a concerted effort to refine his coverage technique, according to coach Romeo Crennel.
“Sometimes when you have the ability of Eric Wright, you get a little overconfident in what you are able to do,” Crennel said. “When I tell him you need to play with a particular leverage, he doesn’t always feel like he needs to play that way. He thinks he can play with a different leverage and still get it done, but he is learning.”
The coach added that Wright’s relationship with Sanders can only help his development, seeing as Sanders was a nine-time Pro Bowler who scored 10 defensive touchdowns. The two reportedly talk at least once a week about the mental aspect of the sport.
“Any pointers that ‘Prime Time’ can give Eric, I know he appreciates,” Crennel said of the current NFL Network analyst. “I noticed that he high-stepped and he tried to do a little ‘Prime Time’ move there Monday, so they have been talking about something.”
Wright laughed at Crennel’s critique of his footwork, but agreed with his developmental assessment. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder also compared his athleticism to Sanders’ skill set and said he plans on doing something that the Neon One never accomplished.
“Leading the NFL in interceptions is my personal goal,” said Wright, who has four picks in 19 career games. “At the cornerback position, I feel like I take ownership of the ball every time. Getting every one that’s in the air is my job. The more I can get, the more I can help our team.”
Contact Brian Dulik at (330)721-4059 or brisports@hotmail.com.

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