Haden always gave fans a reason to turn on the TV on Sundays, even as the team struggled to the tune of a 29-83 record over his tenure that spanned from 2010-2016. His infectious positivity and big plays kept teammates and the fanbase in high spirits, and the losses never changed his mindset that he was just a kid living his dream as a football player in the NFL.
“‘What am I here to complain about?'” Haden recalled asking himself. “You’re out here playing ball and getting bread to be a corner. Lock it up and go onto the next challenge. That perspective kept everything easier for me.”
But life abruptly changed for him on Aug. 30, 2017.
Haden was released by the Browns that day and signed with the Steelers. The breakup was unexpected and emotional, but he still felt a close relationship with Cleveland even as he began a new chapter with his former team’s top rival.
He didn’t have to wait long to return to the city, either. A week later, he was back at FirstEnergy Stadium for the Steelers’ Week 1 game against the Browns, and the walk inside the building triggered a flood of memories that reminded him why he loved his days with the franchise.
“It was just crazy getting there and going to the away locker room,” he said. “I had never been in the away locker room before, and it was weird passing the home locker room and all the people — the valet, the security and seeing all the people who were like, ‘We miss you, Joe.’ Those are the people you remember for seven years who you ran into every game.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to be on another team. Ever. That was a tough pill to swallow, and the toughest thing of going against the Browns was having the love I have for the people there and being booed. I was playing for the Steelers, so I understand, but that was the toughest part.”
Haden heard the boos whenever he returned to Cleveland over the next five years with Pittsburgh, but his love for the city, much like his desire to keep playing for it when times were tough,…
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