CLEVELAND — In an effort to encourage Ohioans to receive the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has enlisted the help of Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
RELATED: More coronavirus coverage from WKYC
In a public service announcement released on Thursday, Stefanski narrates clips of Ohioans getting back to a more normal way of life amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The message of the PSA is that in order for these events -- including full football stadiums in the fall -- to occur, Ohio must continue to increase its number of residents who have been vaccinated.
"Ohio knows how to get things done. We're not afraid to take on the tough jobs. To beat COVID and get back to the things we missed out on last year, we all need to roll up our sleeves," Stefanski says. "To get back to the theater, back to dining out, back to fairs and festivals and back in the stands on Sundays. It's time to roll up your sleeves, Ohio. It's time to get to work."
Last month, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam revealed that the team's entire coaching staff, as well as its management team, had received the COVID-19 vaccine.
This isn't the first time Stefanski's name has come up during one of DeWine's press briefings. Last fall, Dr. David Margolius of MetroHealth Cleveland cited Stefanski as a great example of somebody who was consistently wearing his protective face mask while on the Browns' sideline.
"If you're going to spend time with people, spend time safely," Dr. Margolius of MetroHealth Cleveland said during an interview with DeWine. "Look at Coach Kevin Stefanski of the Browns. When he wears that mask, it's there. He's doing it. I think many other examples exist where you really can be around other people and you can do it safely."
In January, Stefanski was forced to miss the Browns' wild card round matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers after testing positive for COVID-19. He earned NFL Coach of the Year honors after leading Cleveland to an 11-5 record -- the Browns' best regular-season mark since returning to the NFL in 1999.
You can watch DeWine's full press briefing in the video player below.