BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Fashionable in a black jacket with matching dress shirt and tie, first-round draft pick Joe Haden handled every question like a seasoned professional during his introductory news conference as the newest member of the Cleveland Browns.
Haden was polished. Calm. Cool. Poised.
Until he was asked about LeBron James.
“Oh my goodness,” Haden gushed. “I love LeBron.”
The No. 7 overall pick is an unabashed fan of James, the NBA superstar and reigning league MVP, who is currently in Chicago chasing a championship with the Cavaliers. Haden has followed James for years and can’t bear the thought that his idol could leave this summer a free agent.
“I was so excited about Cleveland,” Haden said. “I was like this, ‘Now he can’t go anywhere because it might break my heart.’ I’m trying to figure out how to get in touch with him and text him or something and take him out to eat and make sure he doesn’t leave.”
The Browns were thrilled to land Haden, a two-time All-American who was originally recruited as a quarterback by Florida coach Urban Meyer. But when Haden arrived on campus, he quickly learned there was another QB ahead of him on the depth chart – Tim Tebow.
“This Tebow dude is always involved in everything,” Haden said.
Haden switched to wide receiver but found himself sitting behind Percy Harvin. That’s one the coaches suggested cornerback, a position Haden played as well as anyone in college football the past two years.
The 21-year-old knows he still has a lot to master before he’s ready to challenge NFL wide receivers.
“That’s a big plus in my game,” he said. “I’ve only had three years of experience. The ceiling is still so high for me as a corner. I have so much more I can learn, so much more I want to learn.”
Haden has begun studying New York Jets All-Pro defensive back Darrelle Revis, considered the game’s premier coverage corner.
“I honestly didn’t watch too much NFL football, but when I heard what Revis was doing and how he was locking down one side of the field and they didn’t want to throw it that way at all, I definitely started watching him,” he said. “I love the way he nails receivers on the line. That’s what I want to do.”
age welcoming him to the Browns. Cleveland needs a ball-hawking back and dependable corner to handle some of the AFC North’s top wideouts such as Chad Ochocinco, Hines Ward and Anquan Boldin.
Browns president Mike Holmgren believes Haden help make an immediate impact.
“I really believe we hit a home run,” Holmgren said. “There has been a lot of speculation on what our approach to the draft was, what we’d decide to do and all that. This young guy was in our sights from a while ago.”
Haden, who has four younger brothers – one currently enrolled and playing football at Florida – all with first names that begin with the letter “J,” said the past 24 hours have been a whirlwind. He was at Radio City Music Hall for the draft, and while in New York he got a chance to meet former NFL greats Deion Sanders and Barry Sanders.
Haden said he connected with Tennessee Eric Berry, who was high on the Browns’ draft board but was taken by Kansas City at No. 5.
“I just love that dude,” Haden said. “He’s just so nice. Me and him we get along real well. That’s one of my really good friends.”
Haden next would like to strike up a friendship with James.
“I love his game and his personality,” Haden said. “He’s a people person, making people laugh on the sideline and having a good time. I feel that’s what I like to do. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s a great player out there balling and having a good time. That’s what I want to do.”
So will he buy season ticket to the Cavs?
“Of course,” he said. “I was hoping LeBron could hook me up so I don’t have to buy ’em. I’ll try to be courtside like Jay-Z.”
Add A Comment