Joe Haden
Joe Haden (born April 14, 1989) is a former American football cornerback who played twelve seasons in the National Football League (NFL), spending seven years with the Cleveland Browns and five with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] Drafted seventh overall by the Browns in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Haden established himself as one of the league's premier defensive backs, earning three Pro Bowl selections (2013, 2014, 2019) and one Associated Press Second-Team All-Pro honor (2013).[2][3] Over his career, he recorded 29 interceptions, 155 passes defended, and 504 solo tackles in 158 games.[4] Haden announced his retirement on September 21, 2022, signing a one-day ceremonial contract with the Browns to retire as a member of the team that drafted him.[5] At the University of Florida, Haden was a standout for the Gators from 2007 to 2009, becoming the first true freshman to start at cornerback on opening day in school history.[6] He started all 40 games he appeared in, amassing 218 tackles, eight interceptions, and 34 pass breakups while earning unanimous All-American honors as a junior in 2009.[7][8] Haden contributed to the 2008 BCS National Championship team under coach Urban Meyer, showcasing his versatility after initially recruiting as a quarterback and wide receiver.[9] Haden's NFL tenure began promisingly with the Browns, where he led the team with six interceptions as a rookie in 2010, with 18 passes defended.[10] Injuries hampered parts of his career, including a 2017 release by Cleveland amid trade discussions, but he rebounded with the Steelers, signing a three-year deal and continuing to perform at a high level into his late 30s.[11] Post-retirement, Haden has engaged in philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for Special Olympics and supporting youth football initiatives.[1]Early life
Family and upbringing
Joseph Walter Haden III was born on April 14, 1989, in Fort Washington, Maryland.[6][12] He is the eldest of five boys born to parents Joe Haden Jr., who runs Haden Sports and Performance, and Zakiya Haden.[6][13] The family founded Haden Sports and Performance, a training business that supported the brothers' athletic pursuits.[13] His brothers—Josh, Jordan, Jacob, and Jonathan—all pursued athletics, with Josh playing running back at Boston College, Jordan competing in football at the University of Florida, Jacob, who has a cognitive disorder and participates in Special Olympics, and Jonathan serving as a wide receiver at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.[13][6][14][15] Haden grew up in a close-knit family in Fort Washington that placed strong emphasis on discipline, education, and personal growth alongside athletic development, with his father often highlighting achievements outside of football as sources of pride.[13] From an early age, he was immersed in sports through family influences and local community leagues in football and track in Prince George's County.[16][17] This environment in Maryland provided the foundation for his later transition to high school athletics.[13]High school career
Joe Haden attended Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he emerged as a standout athlete in football.[6] As a four-year starter at quarterback for the Friendly Patriots, Haden initially focused on offense but also contributed on defense as a safety.[1] During his junior year in 2005, he completed 101 passes while leading the team to the Maryland playoffs, though they suffered a loss to Lackey High School.[18] Haden earned recognition as a dynamic playmaker, capable of both passing and rushing threats.[18] In his senior season of 2006, Haden transitioned more prominently to defensive responsibilities while maintaining his quarterback role, recording multiple interceptions alongside his offensive output.[19] He passed for 2,783 yards and 38 touchdowns, powering the Patriots to a perfect 14-0 record and the Maryland 3A state championship.[20][6] In the title game against River Hill, Haden threw for two touchdowns, rushed for two more, and contributed to two-point conversions in a 37-18 victory.[21] Over his high school career, he set a Maryland public school record with 7,371 passing yards and tied the record with 80 touchdowns, earning All-Met Offensive Player of the Year honors.[6][22] Haden's versatility and athleticism drew recruitment interest from several top college programs, including Michigan and Indiana.[23] He ultimately committed to the University of Florida, signing as a highly rated athlete prospect.[24]College career
2007–2008 seasons
Joe Haden enrolled early at the University of Florida in January 2007, allowing him additional time to adjust to the college level ahead of spring practices.[6] As a true freshman in 2007, Haden became the first player in school history to start at cornerback on opening day, starting all 12 games he appeared in while missing one due to an ankle sprain.[6][25] He recorded 63 total tackles, including 43 solo stops, along with 1 interception—a 10-yard return against LSU—and 5 pass breakups, earning Freshman All-America honors from outlets including The Sporting News and Rivals.com.[6][26] In 2008, Haden solidified his role as a sophomore starter, appearing in all 14 games and leading defensive backs with 87 total tackles, the second-highest mark on the team.[6] He notched 3 interceptions, highlighted by an 88-yard return against Georgia (setting up a touchdown) and a 31-yard return against Kentucky, while contributing multiple pass breakups.[6] Haden also added a sack against South Carolina and a fumble recovery versus Ole Miss, showcasing his growing impact in run support and coverage.[6] Haden played a key role in the Gators' 13-1 season, which culminated in a 24-14 victory over Oklahoma in the 2009 BCS National Championship game.[6] In that title game, he led the defense with 10 tackles and 3 pass breakups as a nickelback contributor.[6] Under head coach Urban Meyer and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, Haden honed his speed and man-coverage techniques, building on his high school versatility as a quarterback to excel in the secondary.[27][26]2009 season and honors
In his junior year of 2009, Joe Haden started all 14 games at cornerback for the Florida Gators, recording 68 total tackles (53 solo), four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, five tackles for loss, and three sacks.[28] His four interceptions led the team and helped anchor a defense that contributed to Florida's 13-1 record, including an undefeated 8-0 mark in SEC play and a victory in the SEC Championship Game over Alabama. Notable performances included interceptions in wins over LSU (October 10), Florida State (November 28), and a game-sealing pick against South Carolina (November 14) that preserved a 24-14 victory and extended Florida's winning streak to 20 games.[29][30] Haden's standout season earned him unanimous All-American honors, the first for a Florida defender since 2006, as well as first-team All-SEC recognition.[31] He was also named the Sporting News National Defensive Player of the Year and finished as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back.[8] These accolades solidified his reputation as one of college football's elite cornerbacks, building on his key role in Florida's 2008 national championship defense. Following the Gators' 51-24 loss to Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl, Haden declared for the 2010 NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year of eligibility. He concluded his Florida career with 218 total tackles, eight interceptions, 34 pass breakups, and a share of the 2008 BCS National Championship.[6]Professional career
2010 NFL Draft
Joe Haden entered the 2010 NFL Draft as one of the top cornerback prospects, bolstered by his status as a consensus All-American during his final season at the University of Florida.[32] At the NFL Scouting Combine, he measured 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 193 pounds, while recording a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which demonstrated solid speed for the position despite initial concerns about his performance due to a minor injury.[33] Haden impressed scouts with his versatility, quick recovery ability, and high football IQ during workouts and interviews, positioning him as a projected top-10 selection.[34] He conducted pre-draft visits with teams including the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati Bengals, where he highlighted his adaptability to various defensive schemes.[35] The Cleveland Browns selected Haden in the first round with the seventh overall pick, making him the first cornerback and second defensive back chosen in the 2010 draft, following safety Eric Berry at No. 5 to the Kansas City Chiefs. This selection addressed a critical need in the Browns' secondary, which had struggled with consistency and coverage issues in prior seasons. Under head coach Eric Mangini, Haden was viewed as a foundational piece to rebuild the unit, bringing elite ball skills and man-coverage prowess to pair with veterans like Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright.[36] Haden signed a five-year rookie contract with the Browns worth $40 million, including a $12 million signing bonus and $26 million in guaranteed money, reflecting his high value as an immediate starter prospect.[37] The deal underscored the Browns' commitment to fortifying their defense around the young cornerback, who was expected to compete right away for a starting role despite the competitive depth chart.[38]Cleveland Browns tenure (2010–2016)
Joe Haden began his professional career with the Cleveland Browns after being selected seventh overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he started 15 of 16 games, recording 64 tackles, six interceptions—which led all NFL rookies—and 18 pass deflections.[4][39] His performance earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month award for October, when he intercepted four passes in four games, and recognition as a Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team member.[40][4] In 2011, Haden started all 15 games he played, tallying 69 tackles and another six interceptions while leading the Browns in passes defensed.[41] His consistent coverage against top receivers solidified his role as the team's top cornerback. The following year, Haden appeared in 11 games due to a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy and additional absences from an oblique injury.[42][43] Haden earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2013 after starting all 15 games, where he recorded 45 tackles, four interceptions, and 15 pass deflections, helping anchor a Browns secondary that ranked among the league's better units against the pass.[4][44] He followed with a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod in 2014, earning second-team All-Pro honors both seasons for his elite coverage skills, including limiting opponents to a low completion percentage on targets.[4][3] In March 2014, the Browns applied the transition tag to Haden for $12.996 million before signing him to a five-year, $68 million extension in May.[45] Injuries began to impact Haden's availability starting in 2015, when a pelvic fracture and subsequent concussions limited him to just five games, causing him to miss the entire season.[46] He rebounded somewhat in 2016, playing 13 games despite dealing with back and groin issues that required offseason surgery, during which he was named a defensive captain.[47][48] Over seven seasons with the Browns, Haden played in 90 games, starting 87, and amassed 457 tackles, 19 interceptions, and 94 pass deflections, leading the team in interceptions multiple times.[4][41] His tenure reflected the Browns' ongoing rebuild, marked by defensive promise amid offensive struggles and frequent coaching turnover. In August 2017, the Browns released Haden after failing to trade him, citing salary cap constraints and his recent injury history as key factors.[11][49]Pittsburgh Steelers tenure (2017–2022)
On August 30, 2017, hours after being released by the Cleveland Browns, Joe Haden signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a $5.75 million signing bonus.[50] This move allowed Haden to join a familiar AFC North rival and leverage his prior experience from seven seasons with the Browns to adapt quickly to the Steelers' defensive scheme under coordinator Keith Butler, who had previously served as the Browns' linebackers coach from 2007 to 2009.[51] In his debut season, Haden started eight games, recording 25 combined tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections before suffering a fractured fibula in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, which sidelined him for the final five regular-season games.[4][52] Haden's performance rebounded in 2018, where he started all 15 games he played, amassing 64 combined tackles and three interceptions while helping stabilize the Steelers' secondary during a season marked by the continued presence of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.[4] Notably, in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Haden earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after registering six tackles and an interception in a 30–19 victory. Despite occasional setbacks, such as a mild hamstring strain in Week 1 that briefly limited his participation, Haden's consistency contributed to the unit's efforts in supporting the offense's high-output era.[53] Injuries and external factors curtailed Haden's availability in subsequent years, including a preseason ankle contusion in 2019 that he overcame to play all 16 games, played 14 games in 2020 despite missing time due to COVID-19 concerns late in the season, and a mid-foot sprain in 2021 that caused him to miss four games.[54][55] Over his five seasons with the Steelers through 2021, Haden appeared in 68 games, accumulating 215 combined tackles and ten interceptions.[4] He provided key postseason support, starting in the 2017 wild-card playoff win over the Miami Dolphins with six tackles and a pass deflection.[4] Haden was also recognized for his leadership within Mike Tomlin's defense, mentoring younger cornerbacks and maintaining team morale amid roster turnover.[56] Following the 2021 season, Haden entered free agency in March 2022 without a new contract from Pittsburgh, marking the end of his tenure.[57]Retirement
Joe Haden announced his retirement from the National Football League on September 21, 2022, at age 33, after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier that offseason and failing to receive contract offers that met his expectations.[58][59] His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that Haden had no intention of returning to play, emphasizing that the decision was final following a 12-year professional career.[60] To conclude his career with the team that originally drafted him, Haden signed a one-day ceremonial contract with the Cleveland Browns on November 9, 2022, allowing him to retire officially as a Brown.[61] He was honored as the honorary captain during the Browns' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 31, 2022, at FirstEnergy Stadium, where fans and the organization celebrated his contributions to the franchise.[62][63] In reflecting on his tenure, Haden acknowledged the setbacks from recurring injuries that affected his performance in later years but expressed pride in his durability and impact, having appeared in 158 regular-season games with 29 interceptions across his time with the Browns and Steelers.[64][41] Following the announcement, he publicly thanked both franchises for shaping his career, noting the support from Cleveland as his professional home and Pittsburgh as a successful second chapter.[5] As of 2025, Haden has not confirmed any roles in coaching, broadcasting, or other NFL-related positions, focusing instead on personal transitions beyond the field.[65]Career statistics
Regular season
Joe Haden appeared in 158 regular season games over his 12-year NFL career, recording 615 total tackles (504 solo), 29 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 155 pass deflections, three sacks, and six fumble recoveries.[4][41] During his tenure with the Cleveland Browns from 2010 to 2016, Haden played 90 games and secured 19 interceptions.[4][66] With the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2017 to 2022, he appeared in 68 games and added 10 interceptions to his resume.[4][66] Haden's rookie performance in 2010 was exceptional, leading the AFC with six interceptions and recording 64 tackles while starting all 16 games for the Browns.[4] He followed with a strong season in 2013, recording four interceptions and 54 tackles over 15 games (14 starts), which contributed to his Second-Team All-Pro recognition that year.[4] His Pro Bowl selections in 2013, 2014, and 2019 aligned closely with these high-stat seasons, highlighting his impact on the field.[4] Post-2017, Haden's production declined due to recurring injuries, including foot and groin issues; he started 14 games in 2020, 11 in 2021, and 10 in 2022.[4][66] Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus reflect this trajectory; during his prime years (2010–2014), Haden's coverage grade averaged over 75, underscoring his ability to disrupt passing attacks, though it dipped below that mark in later seasons amid health challenges.[3]| Category | Career Totals | Browns (2010–2016) | Steelers (2017–2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 158 | 90 | 68 |
| Total Tackles | 615 (504 solo) | - | - |
| Interceptions | 29 (2 TDs) | 19 | 10 |
| Pass Deflections | 155 | - | - |
| Sacks | 3 | - | - |
| Fumble Recoveries | 6 | - | - |