Owensboro native Dartanyan Tinsley called his NFL debut a “full circle” moment after taking the field for the Cleveland Browns in their 30-10 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
The 2019 Owensboro High School graduate entered in the second half, playing the entire third and fourth quarters on the offensive line. Cleveland’s starters and second-string players handled the first half before Tinsley and other reserves closed out the game.
“It felt surreal … like a little kid on Christmas again,” Tinsley said. “At the same time, I had a reflection period where it was like, ‘We really came from KCU and one year starting at OHS to playing in the NFL.’ It was a very emotional moment. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Tinsley didn’t have family from Owensboro in attendance, but was joined by friends from his Kentucky Christian University days, who live in North Carolina.
The Browns scored early and often behind a strong showing from Shedeur Sanders, and Tinsley said it was special to share the huddle with players he once watched on TV.
“You’ve got guys like Joe Flacco who’ve been in the league since I was a kid, and guys in my O-line room like Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio that I studied on film last year,” he said. “Now you’re really in there with them, and it’s great to learn from them.”
Tinsley signed with Cleveland as an undrafted free agent in April after completing his college career at the University of Cincinnati. He spent the offseason in rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp before earning his preseason reps.
With two games remaining — against the Eagles and the Rams — Tinsley said his focus is on improving each day while the team evaluates the roster ahead of final cuts later this month.
“I just put my best foot forward and see what happens,” he said. “If it sticks, it sticks. If it doesn’t, you’ll fall somewhere else. I haven’t been stressed about it. I’ve just been trying to play ball and see where the cards lie.”
Tinsley said he expects a large contingent of friends and family to attend the Browns’ preseason finale Aug. 23 in Cleveland. The Browns’ season opener is slated for September 7 against the Bengals in Cincinnati.
