BEREA, Ohio – Browns cornerback Joe Haden has settled down, and in doing so, elevated his game.
Haden credits his marriage last summer to his longtime girlfriend, Sarah, for making him a better person and player. Haden says he has grown up and is focused on "just football now, all football."
In his fourth season, Haden has moved himself into a class with the NFL's top defensive backs. Last week, he intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown while holding Cincinnati star wide receiver A.J. Green to just two catches for 7 yards.
Haden has a laminated map of Hawaiian Islands taped to his locker, motivation to make his first Pro Bowl.
Haden said a four-game suspension last year for using Adderrall prompted a change in his lifestyle and led to his metamorphosis.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org