Cleveland Browns star running back Quinshon Judkins is officially on the comeback trail, and he’s bringing some serious energy to the new-look 2026 locker room.
Appearing on the Downs 2 Business podcast, Judkins opened up about the departure of Kevin Stefanski and the arrival of new head coach Todd Monken. While Judkins was respectful, he didn’t shy away from the personality contrast between the two. He described Stefanski as “really even keel” and “quiet,” a stark difference from the fire Monken has already brought to the facility.
“It’s not what I thought it would’ve been—in a good way!” Judkins said of his first encounter with Monken. The meeting wasn’t your standard corporate greeting; instead, Monken “gave me a hug, a real players’ coach.”
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For the former Ohio State Buckeye, the shift in volume is exactly what the doctor ordered. He noted that Monken has been “super communicative on what he wanted from the team, what his goal is, what he wants to come in and do.” That clarity seems to be the spark the offense lacked last year. “He’s got a vision, and I think that’s what’s important as a head coach, especially being vocal about it,” Judkins added.
This fresh start is vital for Judkins, who is currently rehabbing from surgery to repair a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle suffered in Week 16 against Buffalo. The gruesome injury cut short a dominant rookie campaign where he racked up 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in just 14 games.
Now out of his walking boot and back to pool running, Judkins sounds like a man ready to explode in Monken’s system. If this vocal new leadership is the “vision” Cleveland was missing, then the Browns could be ramping up to turn some heads come September.
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