AP Photo In this 2019 file photo, Cleveland tight end and Jamestown native Stephen Carlson breaks a tackle after making a catch during an NFL game in Pittsburgh.

The following story isn’t new, but in light of Stephen Carlson making the Cleveland Browns’ 53-man roster it bears repeating.

Why?

Because it affirms that hard work can, and does, pay off.

Let me digress.

Almost exactly six years ago, the Jamestown High School football team opened its 2014 season at Sweet Home High in Amherst. It also just happened to be the first time I’d covered the Red Raiders upon the retirement of Jim Riggs, my boss and mentor.

In other words, it was my first look at one of the finest collections of talent in JHS history, including Zack Panebianco, Joe Mistretta and, of course, Carlson. For the record, Jamestown won in a thriller, the catalyst to a 12-1 record and a New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship, the fourth in school history.

But for as many big plays that were part of that early September nonleague game, the one I remember most won’t be found on a stat sheet. In fact, I had to find the play on a Hudl online video to remind myself how special it actually was.

Following is the play-by-play:

With Jamestown on offense, Sweet Home defensive back Milton Zeigler intercepted a pass and began streaking up the field. A Panther pick-six was almost a certainty.

Someone forgot to inform Carlson of that.

Although he wasn’t the intended receiver — he was half a field width away — and although his momentum was initially carrying him in the opposite direction, Carlson spun and took off in pursuit of Zeigler.

And, guess what?

Carlson ran him down.

That play, in my opinion, was a microcosm of Carlson’s attitude in everything he does. Although blessed with intelligence and athleticism, he hasn’t been handed anything since graduating from JHS.

His first two years at Princeton University he hardly played, but in his last two years, he was an All-Ivy League wide receiver. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Browns in April 2019 and playing a position — tight end — he’d never played before, Carlson made the practice squad where he remained for the first eight games last season. In Week Nine, he was promoted to the 53-man roster and stayed there the rest of the campaign, which was highlighted by his touchdown reception from quarterback Baker Mayfield against Pittsburgh in prime time.

The catch was the first of Carlson’s career.

It appears there will be more where that came from.

After the Browns announced they were going to keep five tight ends on their 53-man roster, they waived Pharoah Brown on Sunday, reducing that number to four. While the roster makeup remains fluid, it appears that Carlson, the young man from Jamestown’s north side, will be on the field this Sunday when Cleveland opens the 2020 season at Baltimore.

It’s been quite a journey for No. 89.

It’s been quite inspiring every step of the way, too.