(Berea) - The Cleveland Browns have terminated the contract of Defensive Back Joe Haden.
“We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field,” said Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown. “He has been a great teammate and a true asset to the Cleveland community. These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown.”
“Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that’s all you can ask for as a coach,” said Browns Head Coach Hue Jackson. “He was a leader on and off the field. I wish him all the best as he continues his career.”
Haden later posted a statement on his Instagram page. It says, "I would first like to take the time to thank the Browns fans all around the world from the bottom of my heart for making Cleveland a happy home for me for the past seven years. I want to also thank my coaches, the organization, and especially my teammates who have become family. My God doesn't make mistakes, and I know the future is bright!"
Haden joined the Browns as a first-round pick in 2010 and was selected to two Pro Bowls. He appeared in 90 games with 81 starts. He logged 376 tackles, 101 passes defensed, 19 interceptions, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Last season, he started all 13 games he appeared and totaled 48 tackles, 11 passes defensed and tied for the team-lead with three interceptions.
In 2015, Haden was named Special Olympics’ Global Ambassador, becoming the first professional football player to ever hold that distinction. Among his many charitable endeavors in the Cleveland area, Haden hosted numerous youth football camps and made multiple sizable donations to benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Gdtty Images)