These days, owning the Cleveland Browns isn't much of a burden.
After years of frustration and failure, football seasons filled with pathetic performances and nearly constant internal change, the Browns finally seem headed in the right direction.
They're 3-3, a surprising start for a team given little regard around the NFL.
For Cleveland's long-suffering supporters, these are times to savor.
And the intensely private Lerner, a lifelong Browns fan who inherited the club following his father's death in 2002, is enjoying them.
"It's a good moment for us," Lerner said with pride Wednesday.
The Browns aren't alone, either. With the Indians one victory away from a trip to the World Series and the Cavaliers fresh off their first appearance in the NBA finals, Cleveland's three professional sports teams are enjoying an unprecedented run of success.
Like most Clevelanders, Lerner watched Game 4 of the playoffs between the Indians and Red Sox on Tuesday night, cheering every ball and strike with his 10-year-old son, whom he said was "going absolutely berserko."
"The overwhelming emotion is a lot of pride," Lerner said.
It's the same feeling he's now having while watching his own team play. That hasn't always been the case.
Following a 34-7 drubbing at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opener, the Browns seemed destined for another disastrous season. They started 1-5 in 2006, and a similar start would in all likelihood have led to more upheaval, including the possible firing of coach Romeo Crennel.
Lerner wasn't about to let things slide again.
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