Joe Haden enters Florida’s Hall, plans his NFL retirement

GAINESVILLE, FLA. — Joe Haden has a formal NFL retirement date.

The three-time Pro Bowl cornerback told The Associated Press he is planning to sign a one-day contract with Cleveland on Oct. 30 so he can retire as a member of the team that drafted him in the first round in 2007. The Browns will honor the 33-year-old Haden a day later during their home game against Cincinnati on Monday Night Football.

Haden chose to call it quits in the city where he spent the first seven seasons (2010-16) of his professional career. He played for rival Pittsburgh from 2017 through last season.

“More roots,” Haden said before being formally inducted into the Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. “I was a kid. I was 21 years old, fresh and the city embraced me. I was going to all the Cavs games, so it’s more the city of Cleveland.”

Haden wore both college championship rings — one from the 2008 Southeastern Conference title and the other from the 2008 national title — on his index fingers during the ceremony inside Florida Field on Friday night.

Haden wanted to play one more year and was training in Los Angeles in the offseason in preparation for the rigors of the NFL. But he couldn’t find the right fit because he wanted a chance at a Super Bowl ring and refused to take a significant pay cut.

He said teams continued to call throughout the summer.

“They’ve been calling,” he said. “I was really ready to play. I had a dollar number. I wasn’t going to play for free. That’s not what it’s about. It got to a point where they weren’t willing to offer me the number, so I’m happy, I’m healthy. I was with my kids and chilling. I’m ready for the next chapter.”

Haden was a productive and popular player during his time in Cleveland. He recorded 19 interceptions before the Browns released him before the 2017 season. He was active in the community as well.

After he was cut by the Browns, Haden signed with the Steelers and played in 68 games before Pittsburgh decided not to re-sign him.