But Boireau's tale is more tangled than that. Considered to be a mid-round draft choice in 2000, the Minnesota Vikings stunned observers by taking Boireau in the second round with one of the draft picks they obtained for Brad Johnson from the Redskins. The Vikings, it seemed, had timed Boireau well in the 40 and felt he was a sleeper pick.

After a 2000 season which was marred by a sprained knee and a broken hand, Boireau discovered that his face was starting to droop and that he was plagued by poor vision. It turns out that Boireau had a condition called ocular myasthenia gravis. Considered to be a career-ending malady by the Vikings, they released him in 2001.

While the disease may not be curable, it is treatable. Boireau came back, and got an opportunity to play with the Ottawa Renegades (a new Canadian franchise) in 2002. Although he was occasionally injured and had his season slowed down by the loss of a close family member, Boireau managed 22 tackles and several sacks for the Renegades.

Having once again gotten the attention of the NFL, Boireau decided to return and play for his old college coach. He will now get a chance to show the Browns what he can do in training camp. For a team that had troubles mounting an effective pass rush in 2002, he will certainly get a good look.

2002: Played in the CFL for the Ottawa Renegades in 2002, where he finished with 22 tackles, three sacks and two pass knockdowns. Had a strained MCL at one point in the season.

2001: Was unable to play the entire season and was cut by the Vikings

2000: Drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings. The drafting position was considered a surprise by many. Mel Kiper, for example, had Boireau as a fifth round pick. The draft pick used by the Vikings was part of the package of picks received from the Redskins in exchange for Brad Johnson. Was on the injured list due to a variety of injuries (sprained knee / broken hand).