CLEVELAND — After the Browns made it to the second round of the NFL Playoffs in the 2020 season, many Cleveland fans felt like the 2021 football season was going to be their year.

While it didn’t quiet turn out that way for the Browns, fellow Ohio team and AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, are having their best season in more than three decades.

In northeast Ohio, heartbroken Browns fans turned their attention to the team they are normally in competition with.

“This was supposed to be our year," said Dominic Gimmblli, a lifelong Browns fan.  "Every once in a while, you get riddled with injuries and you have to deal with it, but this felt like our year.” 

Browns fans of all ages had their eyes glued to the screen for the intense playoff game between the Bengals and Kanas City Chiefs, like Charlie Fitz, 12. 

“I like the Bengals, because they are also in Ohio," Fitz said. "I like that they are a young team with a young quarterback and a young receiver.” 

While most of the fans still kept their Browns apparel on, as the Bengals won 27-24 to make it to Super Bowl LVI, the overwhelming majority said they will always support Ohio. 

“I was completely surprised, I didn’t expect them to win this game at all," Gimmblli said. "I thought they were too young for this, but they really pulled it off.” 

While this wasn’t the year for the football team in northern Ohio, many Browns fans continue to love to say there is always next year. ​