THE APEX TIMES
Browns recognize Coach Shawn Austin as AYF x NFL Play Football Coach of the Week
Austin, founder and executive director of IMPACT Youth Inc., was honored during pregame warmups and later received the official award package before the Browns played the Steelers on Oct. 1.
The Cleveland Browns honored local youth football leader Shawn Austin as the AYF x NFL Play Football Coach of the Week, recognizing his long-running work mentoring young athletes through football and related life-skills development.
Browns officials presented the recognition during pregame warmups of the Browns’ Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 1, spotlighting Austin’s community impact alongside the game-day activities at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Austin is the founder and executive director of IMPACT Youth Inc. The Browns’ release says the organization has created opportunities for hundreds of boys and girls to participate in football while emphasizing character, discipline, and the habits needed to succeed both on and off the field.
Beyond his year-round football and training programs, Austin has also been described by the Browns as an advocate for expanding access to the sport, including helping launch a girls flag football team at St. Martin de Porres High School.
As part of the week’s celebration, Austin and his family received a behind-the-scenes facility tour and were surprised with the official Coach of the Week honor, including a certificate, Browns memorabilia, and tickets for the Browns versus Steelers Thursday Night Football game on Oct. 1. Austin was also recognized on the field during warmups and received sideline passes to watch pregame activities from the field.
Why It Matters
- The recognition puts a spotlight on youth football development in Northeast Ohio as the NFL season moves deeper into conference play.
- Honoring community coaches during major game-week events reinforces the league’s focus on football access and mentorship beyond the professional level.
- Austin’s work expanding girls flag football participation reflects broader growth themes around the sport’s participation pipeline.
Sources
Key Facts
- Shawn Austin was named AYF x NFL Play Football Coach of the Week by the Cleveland Browns.
- Austin was recognized during pregame warmups around the Browns’ Week 4 game against the Steelers on Oct. 1.
- Austin is identified by the Browns as the Founder and Executive Director of IMPACT Youth Inc.
- The Browns said IMPACT Youth has supported football participation for hundreds of boys and girls while focusing on character and life skills.
- The Browns also credited Austin with helping launch a girls flag football team at St. Martin de Porres High School.