Cleveland Browns Assistant GM Sparks Massive Outrage Over Her Tone-Deaf T-Shirt — “Very Unprofessional For Such A High Profile Job” [VIDEO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Catherine Hickman is the Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations for the Cleveland Browns. As the highest-ranking female executive in the NFL, she is responsible for daily operations, roster construction, and player personnel decisions.
Before she got to Cleveland, she built her resume with front-office roles for the Philadelphia Eagles, Montreal Alouettes, and Toronto Argonauts.
There is a huge disconnect between her and the team. Moreover, it has to do with the team trading Myles Garrett to the Rams. Now, her recent behavior has made it worse.
How the Deal Materialized
On June 1, 2026, the Cleveland Browns completed a blockbuster trade. They sent superstar defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland acquired two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.
Initially, the Cleveland Browns had no intention of trading their franchise cornerstone. However, the Los Angeles Rams remained highly persistent in their pursuit. Negotiations reached a major turning point when Cleveland countered by demanding star edge rusher Jared Verse be included in the package.
Eventually, the Rams relented, and the trade went through.
The Recent Controversy With Catherine Hickman
During a high-profile press conference ahead of the 2026 season opener, Hickman wore a shirt that turned heads. She wore a distressed, ripped gray sweatshirt that read “Los Angeles Made Me Do It.”
Consequently, fans and critics slammed her choice as deeply tone-deaf.
“Why is she wearing that?” one person asked.
Why is she wearing that?
— David ⚾️ (@HasReber) September 2, 2026
“This woman wants to be taken seriously as a professional in the front office of a NFL team and wears a forever 21 sweat shirt. I hate my football team so much,” a second fan added.
This woman wants to be taken seriously as a professional in the front office of a NFL team and wears a forever 21 sweat shirt. I hate my football team so much
— Danny Peacock, MBA (@DUI_consultant5) September 2, 2026
“Trash organization. What is she wearing? Very unprofessional for such a high-profile job. They can’t produce wins, and they don’t care about the fans or city at all 🤡 🖕,” a third person wrote.
Trash organization. What is she wearing? Very unprofessional for such a high profile job. They can’t produce wins and they don’t care about the fans or city at all 🤡 🖕
— CJ (@cjfarmboy) September 2, 2026
“Not sure if that’s a wise sweatshirt!” a final person said of Catherine Hickman.
Not sure if that’s a wise sweatshirt!
— Jay Rico (@JayRico1167) September 2, 2026
In addition to her outfit choices, Hickman drew criticism for giving evasive answers regarding quarterback trade rumors. When asked directly about prospective offers, she answered, “Not that I will comment on,” before awkwardly deflecting the question to General Manager Andrew Berry.
Ultimately, these combined incidents have led a vocal contingent of NFL enthusiasts to label the front office as “unserious.” With Deshaun Watson being named QB after calling out the fan base, the vibes couldn’t be any lower in Cleveland.
