WATCH: Browns TE David Njoku snapped taking shots with fans after clinching playoff berth for the first time since 2020

Njoku scored gained more than 100 yards against the Jets on Thursday night and celebrated in style.

WATCH: Browns TE David Njoku snapped taking shots with fans after clinching playoff berth for the first time since 2020

Browns tight end David Njoku celebrated with fans after Jets win (Screengrab YouTube)

David Njoku was part of the last Cleveland Browns team to play postseason football in 2020. But 2023 is well and truly his breakout campaign. And he has been doing it after a shocking mid-season jolt.

Njoku is popular for his explosive and powerful runs through the middle of the turf, outmuscling other players to gain yards. It was more of the same on Thursday night when the New York Jets came to Cleveland. He lit up the First Energy Stadium by dropping more than 100 yards in the first quarter.

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This was even more impressive because he did it against one of the stingiest defenses in the league. After the Browns wrapped up the game with a 37-20 scoreline, Njoku went into the stands and enjoyed a can of beer, Steve Austin style.

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They had clinched a playoff spot with a game still in hand. For the city of Cleveland, which saw the lowest of lows just a few years ago, this was a dreamland. The celebrations had just begun. Njoku met up with a group of Browns fans outside the stadium.

They offered the tight end a shot glass. Now there’s no confirmation that it contained any alcohol. The 27-year-old took the glass and gulped it down in one go to show his gratitude to the fans who stayed late to celebrate the win with him.

David Njoku says the Cleveland Browns are a resilient team

When Deshaun Watson went down with a shoulder injury, the quarterback responsibility went to journeyman backup PJ Walker. Even his season ended, along with rookie Dorian Thompson Robinson. There was already a massive casualty very early in the season in the form of All-Pro running back Nick Chubb. Not only they are missing, star wide receiver Amari Cooper who broke the Browns’ single-game receiving yards record. His receiver partner Elijah Moore went down in the Jets game convulsing.

WATCH: Browns TE David Njoku snapped taking shots with fans after clinching playoff berth for the first time since 2020
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (Image via NFL.com)

Yet after Week 17, the Browns stand at 11 wins and 5 losses. David Njoku said it was possible because the team came together when it was needed the most.

Njoku told ESPN.com after the Jets win:

This meant the world, man. This team is resilient as f**k; excuse my language. There was so much adversity this year. But we overcame it. I'm so proud of these guys. But we're not finished.
David Njoku to ESPN

They had help, of course. General Manager Andrew Berry hit a bullseye, plucking out veteran Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco from the wilderness and installing him in the heart of the Browns’ offense.

Flacco, in 5 games since arriving in Cleveland, has thrown 2 touchdowns each game and has crossed more than 250 yards each time. Four of them were above 300. He has 1616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Njoku has benefited from his presence. He has 89 receptions for 882 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Their last game is against the Cincinnati Bengals. If they win against their AFC North opponents and a few results from around the league go in their favor, the Browns can clinch the AFC #1 seat.

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