Video: Myles Garrett and Donovan Mitchell meet with Browns fans before Cowboys game | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Cleveland sports fans were surely already excited for the start of the new NFL season on Sunday before two of the city's most notable athletes arrived at Huntington Bank Field to join them in the tailgate event.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett and Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell held a tailgate meeting with fans before Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys:

Garrett probably didn't stay long because, well, he has to play in this game against the Cowboys. The game is in the late afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET, so the defensive leader had a chance to visit with the fans.

For Mitchell, it was more a matter of love between player and city.

While he's no stranger to transfer rumors, he agreed to a new three-year, $150.3 million deal this offseason with a player option for the 2027-28 season. As if that wasn't enough proof that he's staying loyal to Cleveland, he let fans know on social media:

Tailgating with Browns fans before the season opener will only increase Mitchell's popularity with the city.

And there is reason for optimism at these tailgates, as Cleveland made the playoffs in the 2023 season and has a record of 11-6. Top players like Garrett and Amari Cooper, as well as Denzel Ward, are back, and quarterback Deshaun Watson is presumably healthy.

Garrett is the reason for the most optimism, as he was the Defensive Player of the Year last season with 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, three passes defensed and a fumble recovery. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time and First-Team All-Pro for the third time, and he's only 28 years old.

If he continues to play at this level, Mitchell will have even more reasons to celebrate with Browns fans all season long.