Updated at 6:40 p.m. with results for running back Peyton Hillis

The Browns have two players who are locks to become all-stars, at least in the eyes of the fans. Left guard Eric Steinbach (329,714 votes) and kick returner Josh Cribbs (186,828 votes) finished first at their respective positions in fan voting for the AFC's Pro Bowl roster, the NFL announced Wednesday.

Fan balloting, which ended Monday, accounts for one-third of the final vote. The coaches and players also vote Wednesday and Thursday. The official Pro Bowl selections will be announced at 7 p.m. Dec. 28 on NFL Network.

Steinbach, an eight-year veteran, has never been selected to a Pro Bowl before. Cribbs, who's in his sixth season, is a candidate for his third Pro Bowl, though he hasn't been himself this season because he has been hindered by the toes he dislocated on his right foot Nov. 14 against the New York Jets.

Browns running back Peyton Hillis also received some love from the fans. In his third season, Hillis (656,276 votes) finished third among AFC running backs. The Houston Texans' Arian Foster (710,166 votes) and the Jacksonville Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew (707, 913 votes) finished first and second, respectively.

On Friday, Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs practiced for the first time since he suffered a concussion this past Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cribbs and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi were injured in the second quarter when Steelers linebacker James Harrison leveled them with devastating hits that led to a $75,000 fine and widespread debate.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said he expects Cribbs to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Cleveland (1-5) certainly could use its two-time Pro Bowl return man against the defending Super Bowl champion Saints (4-2).

"He does so many things and he does so many things well that it just creates a lot of options offensively," Mangini said Friday before practice. "Obviously, his ability in the return game, that changes the way teams have to deal with us. That's a real plus. There are so many elements that he helps us (with). It's great to have him back."

Cribbs was sharp in his return. He appeared to be in top form while running routes and catching passes from rookie quarterback Colt McCoy, who's expected to make his second consecutive start Sunday. Cribbs even made a one-handed catch as the 30-minute portion of practice open to media ended.

As for Massaquoi, he has still not returned to practice. However, Mangini would not rule him out Friday.

Browns Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs is featured in a Cleveland artist's illustrated Browns 2010 season schedule titled, "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper." The artist is Van Monroe, and his work can be found at vanmonroe.com. Check out his Cribbs piece below.

Also, Cribbs now has his own fathead, and his video-game character has been featured in commercials for the new Madden NFL 11.

I interviewed Browns Pro Bowl return man Josh Cribbs over the phone Friday afternoon while he was on his way to the set of "Jim Rome is Burning" in Los Angeles.

The bulk of our conversation, and what ultimately led to this story, was about LeBron James leaving town and Cribbs' pride in becoming who many consider the new face of Cleveland sports.

Anyway, here are some parts of the interview that didn't make the cut for the story:

On participating in "Cleveland Pride Night" Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena: "The people of Cleveland are die-hard fans and hard-working people, and they represent something. I can only pride myself in giving back to the fans as much as possible. That's why I sign autographs for everybody. You never see me turn nobody down because the fans ultimately pay our salary.’’

More on what should replace the empty space where the LeBron James mural that once hung on a building in downtown Cleveland: "Something that just says no matter what we go through, we're gonna still stand. We're gonna still be here. We're gonna still go out to win. And something that signifies that the fans will never give up, a picture or a word or something that basically gives the fans hope, something to cheer for, something to look forward to."

On recently dabbling in acting: "I definitely welcome all opportunities, and you have to always look ahead. Football isn't forever. The NFL to us, the athletes, doesn't last long. It's a very short time period for us to grab a hold of our small celebrity and to make the most of it. Definitely (acting more in the future is) a possibility. I had fun doing it, and football has opened up those doors for me. It's opened up the opportunities for me to have that chance."

Here's a release from the Cleveland Gladiators of the AFL:

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Gladiators are pleased to announce that NFL Pro Bowl kick returner Joshua Cribbs will be on hand to celebrate “Cleveland Pride Night” when the Gladiators host the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz at 7 p.m. Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena.  Presented by Fast Track Energy Drink, Cribbs will sign autographs for fans on the main concourse from 6-7 p.m.

In addition to autographs, the first 5,000 fans will receive a special edition “CLEVELAND PRIDE” poster.  Featured on the poster will be Cribbs, along with Browns legend Bernie Kosar.

The Gladiators have also invited local celebrities to share in Cleveland Pride Night.  Each celebrity on hand will address the crowd throughout the night, expressing their love of the city.  Local celebrities include, but are not limited to: Kosar, Cribbs, former Browns defensive back Hanford Dixon, Mark “Munch” Bishop, Cleveland State Vikings Men’s Basketball Coach Gary Waters, John “Big Dawg” Thompson and Tony “Mobile Dawg” Schaefer.

“The city took a hit with the events that occurred last week, but now it is time to be resilient and move forward,” Gladiators General Manager John Adams said.  “This is a great sports town and we have a lot of things to be proud of.  What better way to express those sentiments than to have some of the most loyal Cleveland supporters gathered in one building to start relaying that positive message.”

In appreciation to the support of Cribbs, the Gladiators are offering fans a discount of $16 on all lower-level sideline tickets.  Seats start as low as $12 in select lower level sections.

For more information, call 216-685-9000 or visit clevelandgladiators.com.

Cribbs chats with fans:

Cribbs participated in a live chat with fans Tuesday on NFL.com. Click here for the transcript.

Browns Pro Bowl returner Joshua Cribbs took his contract demands to ESPN's Bristol, Conn. campus Monday, but didn't blast his team for its lowball offer of $1.4 million per year in an appearance on "First Take."

Asked by host Jay Crawford, a lifelong Browns fan, if he had a number in mind, Cribbs said, "It's fair market value. I don't want to speak in terms of money."

"At this point, I'm going to try and let my agents handle things," Cribbs said. "I feel like I've said enough. I've (given) my take on the situation. The Browns gave me their offer, I respectfully declined."

He said the two sides were "far enough" apart, "that's why we're here now."

Perhaps judging from the mixed reviews from fans his decision to go public drew last week, Cribbs didn't vow to sit out. The former Kent State quarterback has three years remaining on a six-year, $6.7 million contact he signed in November, 2006.

"I love playing in Cleveland," he said. "The fans keep me thriving. That's what I hold dear. Sitting out. … I haven't made my decision yet.

"It's a difficult situation. I wish it could have been done more privately. To this point I haven't gone public with how I felt. But I went two times and tried to get a different contract and I was two times turned down, told to wait, be patient. I've played and did what I had to do on the field to show them why I deserve it."

That was quite different than what Cribbs said Monday morning on ESPN radio. When asked directly what he will do if the Browns don't change their offer, Cribbs was blunt in his answer, according to profootballtalk.com.

"I won't play," Cribbs said. "I won't play."

The $1.4 million offer was first presented to his agents by Browns vice president of football administration Dawn Aponte in early December, then again after new president Mike Holmgren joined the team on Dec. 21. Cribbs hopes Holmgren didn't give the offer much thought.

Asked if Holmgren was involved, Cribbs said, "I would assume. Hopefully he didn't know about it and it kind of went under the radar, but I don't know. We haven't gotten that phone call. I'm going to stay positive. I'm going to do everything I can to stay in a Browns uniform."

Cribbs called Holmgren "a great football mind, a great addition to the Browns organization."

"Right now I'm putting my faith and trust in him," Cribbs said.

Holmgren said on a conference call Monday evening that he didn't consider the $1.4 million offer a take it or leave it proposition.

"I think that went out a long time ago," Holmgren said. "I'm not sure you ever say that. You have to try and avoid negotiating against yourself. Any sort of negotiation is a two-way street. My hope is that we can get this to a win-win situation. Yes, I think there's a chance. There's light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully."

Cribbs said on his Twitter page that the trip to ESPN was planned before his contract squabble arose.

Cribbs has been a supporter of coach Eric Mangini, who told Cribbs he would take care of him, along with former general manager Phil Savage. Cribbs said the 13-6 upset of Pittsburgh on Dec. 10 that snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Steelers and sparked a four-game winning streak to finish the season got the Browns "over the hump."

"After we won that game, that gave us the confidence needed," Cribbs said. "Coach Mangini did a great job (stocking) his team with players that wanted to win, whether they were on the practice squad, whether they came off the street."

Cribbs opened his day on "Mike and Mike" at 9:45 a.m., then appeared on First Take (ESPN2) about 11:30 a.m.

An ESPN.com chat is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m., followed by ESPNews at 2:40 p.m., "The Scot Van Pelt Show" at 3:40 p.m. (ESPN radio, ESPNU), "The Doug Gottlieb Show" at 4 p.m. (taped for ESPN radio), "NFL Live" (ESPN) at 4 p.m. and SportsCenter (ESPN) at 6 p.m.

Trade rumors involving Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs have are swirling.

League sources told Jason La Canfora of NFL.com that the Dolphins, Colts, Chiefs, Raiders, Jaguars and 49ers have shown interest.

A source told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that it is unlikely Cribbs will be traded.

Cribbs signed a six-year contract worth $6.77 million in 2007. Before this season he expressed interest in a new contract and threatened to sit out the season.

Cribbs, a special teams captain for Cleveland, currently leads the NFL with 522 kick-return yards and 260 punt-return yards. In five seasons with the Browns, Cribbs has had five special teams touchdowns.

He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007 after leading the league in kick-return average at 30.7 yards per return.

As a receiver, Cribbs has struggled. In five games this season, including two starts, he has nine receptions for 39 yards and no touchdowns. Last season he had just two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown.

The NFL trading deadline is at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The Browns traded receiver Braylon Edwards to the Jets on Oct. 7 for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two draft picks.

Earlier in the week, speculation about the team trading backup quarterback Brady Quinn surfaced. Browns head coach Eric Mangini denied the rumors saying, "Brady and I have a good relationship, Brady and (offensive coordinator) Brian (Daboll) have a good relationship. He's focused on Pittsburgh."

Joe Thomas, one of six Browns captains.

Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and running back Jamal Lewis were selected on offense, linebackers Eric Barton and D'Qwell Jackson on defense and Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs and kicker Phil Dawson on special teams.

Dawson was selected for the third consecutive year. The only other player remaining on the team who served last year was center Hank Fraley.

Mangini said the captains will serve as liasons between he and the players and will meet weekly.

"It's good to know my teammates respect me that much," Jackson said. "I take pride in what I do, have fun with it. It's a great honor and I have to live up to that responsibility.

"There's a sense of pride in yourself and a sense of pride to get guys doing what they may not want to do. I've been here through the ups and downs. It's up to me to carry the torch this year."

Thomas, a two-time Pro Bowler starting his third season in the league, said it was "something I've been working towards, leading by example and with a voice in the locker room."

Thomas believes the captains will be very influential with Mangini.

"Coach Mangini is definitely open to criticism and praise and input from the captains and players," Thomas said. "I think it's going to be an important job for the captains to give him that input, both good and bad."

Lewis also seemed honored by his selection.

"Over the years I've been on teams with a lot of great captains, people who I sat in the room with and actually put their name down because I felt like, 'This is the guy who should actually be out front. Somebody I could talk to if I needed to talk to them, a leader in all aspects,"' Lewis said. "I look at it in the same way. The majority of the guys had that kind of confidence in me. The guys I chose, those are the guys I felt I could depend on."

Lewis, who won the Super Bowl in 2000 with the Baltimore Ravens, said leadership is an important ingredient for a championship team.

"You need leadership upstairs, the coaches and all that," Lewis said. "But at the same time, you have to have leadership in the work force. It plays a major role."

When Browns veterans report to training camp on July 31, expect to see specials team/experimental wide receiver Josh Cribbs in attendance.

Cribbs assured as much while on the air with Mark "Munch" Bishop of WKNR (AM-850) saying "No. 16 will be on the field, proudly." He said contract talks have not been furthered, but he's happy to have a job.

"I don't have the contract I would like, but nonetheless I have it better than others," he said.

Cribbs is in the first half a of a six-year, $6.77 million contract and wants it to be restructured. He's set to make a reasonable $690,000 this season.

Even as he's threatened to ask for a trade and skipped some "voluntary" workouts, he insists he wants to play for the Browns and will continue to work hard.

"I'm going to still play as hard as I can," he said. "I don't know any other way to play. I don't want to go anywhere else, I want to stay in Cleveland. I'm going to do everything I can physically and business-wise to stay in Cleveland because this is where I want to be. If something else happens, I don't think it's on me.

"I can't make every person understand my point of view and a lot of fans just don't understand the nature of football and the contract situations and everything. I'm just going to keep playing and I don't mind any fan express any point of view to me and I will respectfully converse with them. I want to see us win big and be a part of that when it happens. Hopefully that happens this year and I'm on that team."

You can listen to the entire interview here. The interview is about 20 minutes long, but worth the time. Cribbs talks some about his community involvement before getting into the contract situation.

What makes it so interesting is that Cribbs continually talks about wanting to play in Cleveland and being a hard worker. Moments later, though, he says that playing in the NFL was his dream, just not necessarily with the Browns.

He's clearly a conflicted player. It's hard to tell which is more important to him – the money or the opportunity. From the standpoint of a jaded Cleveland fan, it seems a little too much like the former.

The Waiting for Next Year guys take a look at Phil Dawson's holdout. They have a really good line in the item:

Judging by the lack of response to Dawson being MIA, I assume that fans feel that Josh Cribbs means a lot more to this team. But does he? Dawson converted 30 of his 36 attempts last season; he was 5-for-6 between the 40-49-yard range.

The question on who is more important between Cribbs and Dawson is an excellent one. I'm leaning toward saying Dawson is more important. Both are great special teams players, but someone like Cribbs might be more replaceable.