So the argument for Landry being a culture changer is...what? Speeches on edited documentary series?
Well that's part of it. I would say the work ethic he shows, and distills in others would be the primary piece. I'd argue that his positivity and encouragement on game day would be another component. Like I said twice already:
Jarvis Landry might be an important culture piece because he's an outspoken hard-worker who seems to motivate those around him. He embodies the sort of work effort you want your team to have, and we've seen that through many lenses, including on-field, social media, Behind the Browns, and Hard Knocks.
If you want to argue that Landry isn't a culture changer, go for it. I think that's a viable argument. To anyone who's claiming Landry is a "culture changer," I want to know why they don't bring up Joel Bitonio in the same way, because I see the exact same characteristics out of Bitonio, just without the loud social media component.
To be clear, my current opinion is that even
if Jarvis Landry had an impact on this team's culture that led to our current level of success, that attribute is unnecessary, replaceable, or both moving forward. Landry is certainly overpaid, and when it comes time to renegotiatie, if he wants to stay here, it should be at a lower dollar amount. Heck, if you wanted to go so far as to say that Landry's deal is more overpaid compared to wide receivers around the league than Hooper's is compared to tight ends, I'd buy that argument. But then I'd also argue that instead of paying people based on how good or bad the position is around the league, we should pay people based on what they bring to the field. Just because I have Hooper somewhere around the #10 tight end in the league doesn't mean he contributes as much to winning as the #30 WR. I'd argue that tight end is a place to save money, so you can spend on a position group that matters, like the offensive line.
But when you try and say that Austin Hooper has the exact same amount of credentials on this topic as, if not more than, Jarvis Landry, you lose me. People have told you the reasons they might consider Landry to be a "culture changer" but you haven't shown any individual characteristics of Austin Hooper to apply the same attributes to him.
You want to talk about a straw man? How about your straw man argument regarding team accolades:
"Landry never made the playoffs in Miami. He's overpaid for his production. In the 3 years he's been here, the Browns have had 4 head coaches and 2 GMs. However, he's invaluable because he "changed the culture".
Hooper twice went to the playoffs in Atlanta, including a SB appearance. He's overpaid for his production. But in his first year, the Browns make the playoffs and win a road playoff game."
