Joe Haden coming home to retire with the Browns
For the better part of a decade, Joe Haden was clamping down opposing receivers for the Browns. After leaving, he is returning to retire as a Brown.
Sometimes in life, we have to let the ones we love go and if they come back, then it was meant to be. That is the exact scenario that played out for the Cleveland Browns and cornerback Joe Haden.
For the past five seasons, Haden has called Pittsburgh home, which really broke the hearts of some fans when he initially signed with them. That is because back in 2010, Haden was drafted with the seventh overall pick by Cleveland, where he would go on to play his first seven seasons.
Before the celebration of Haden’s time wearing orange and brown, we must address how this was the only option for him at this point in his career. The fact of that matter is that he is simply not good enough these days to be on an NFL roster and he’s also 33 years old. Yes, that’s a bit harsh, but the NFL is a harsh business.
Enough of the tough love, let’s get back to discussing a fan favorite for years in Haden. From 2010 to 2016, Haden patrolled the shores of Lake Erie and did a pretty good job. In his rookie campaign, Haden notched six interceptions to go with 18 passes defensed, a forced fumble, a sack, and 64 tackles. These stats were good enough to land Haden on the All-Rookie Team.
In his tenure with Cleveland, Haden compiled 19 picks (one pick-six), 101 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 377 tackles. He was elected to the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons in 2013 and 2014. Then in 2017, after the Browns decided to not bring Haden back, he signed with the much-hated Pittsburgh Steelers.
Haden will sign a one-day contract with Cleveland in order to retire as a Brown, which is only fitting. He is beloved by most of the fanbase, even though he went to the arch-nemesis for the last five seasons. The Browns will honor Haden later this season and the Cleveland faithful will love every minute of it.
Congratulations on a stellar career, Mr. Haden. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
