On the day before the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns square off in Cleveland for a crucial divisional matchup, a former player of both teams is saying goodbye to the game of football. Cornerback, Joe Haden is reportedly retiring from the NFL and will sign a one-day contract with Cleveland so that the franchise is the last organization he was a part of as a player, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Former Pittsburgh and Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden is retiring and will sign a one-day contract to retire as a Brown, per sources. His agent, @DrewJRosenhaus , confirmed his client’s decision. pic.twitter.com/kq9xwv7Ohb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2022
The former Pro Bowl cornerback played his first seven years with Cleveland's organization and his last five in Pittsburgh. The hopes of many that the General Manager Omar Khan would reach out to Haden and bring him back this year can officially be put to bed. He had an incredible career with 615 tackles, 155 pass defended, 29 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
Steeles former cornerback Joe Haden (#23) plays in one of his final games as an NFL player. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
It should not come as a shock that he wants to retire as a member of the Browns. Cleveland drafted him into the league and was his home for over a half dozen seasons. Regardless, Steelers fans will never forget the incredible interception he snagged off of Tom Brady. The cornerback had an awesome NFL career and always seems to play with an excessive amount of passions and love for the game.
Steelernation we will always have memories! 🙏🏾🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/8oAyeh9Ipt
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) March 19, 2022
Until he was signed in free agency by Pittsburgh in 2017, the cornerback position was a huge weakness for Mike Tomlin's team. Haden provided great stability and consistency at the position, giving the defense an elite player who could lock down opposing receivers. He had 10 interceptions and a defensive touchdown once he came to the North Shore and was absolutely a fan favorite.
Wish Haden luck in retirement and drop a comment below!
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