Browns’ draft picks from Michigan, Ohio State connected by horrific injury in last year’s big game

By TOM WITHERS The Associated Press

FILE - Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter is carted off the field after sustaining an injury during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. In the third round of the NFL draft Friday, April 26, 2024, the Cleveland Browns picked Zinter who broke his left leg against Ohio State in November when Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., taken by the Browns in the second round, was accidentally throw into him. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/David Dermer]

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns selected two players in the NFL draft forever connected by a horrific injury. In Friday’s third round, the team picked Michigan guard Zak Zinter, who broke his left leg against Ohio State on Nov. 25 when Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., taken by the Browns in the second round, was accidentally thrown into him. Zinter fractured his tibia and fibula on a play that hushed a crowd of more than 100,000 fans inside Michigan Stadium. Zinter and Hall are now teammates. Zinter says he has no hard feelings toward Hall, knowing the play was an accident.