While talking recently with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns’ tight end Kellen Winslow noted that he’s healthy and ready for the challenge of the 2008 season.

“I’ve had [so many] operations, I don’t even remember what I had. The point is, I’m ready. Nothing’s going to stop me from being ready for the season and stopping my dream.”

• On pacing himself during training camp:

“I’ll take it day by day. Training camp is a grind. You have to be smart, take care of your body. I have to get better and get ready for the season.”

• On the status of his request for a new contract, with three years remaining on his current one:

“It’s not up to me. It’s up to the Browns and my agent. They’re talking. My job is to play football to the best of my ability. The only reason I want an extension, I want to be a Cleveland Brown for a long time.

“I want to be here with Romeo [Crennel, head coach] and [offensive coordinator Rob] Chudzinski and our quarterbacks and Braylon [Edwards], the whole team. I love this town.”

The Browns need this guy focused and ready to go. Winslow had a tremendous year last year and the offense flourished under Chudzinksi. The team appears ready to take the next step, but it doesn’t need distractions like Winslow talking about a new contract. He can be one of the finest pass-catching tight ends in the game – he just needs to stay healthy and have tunnel vision for the gridiron.