Browns cornerback Joe Haden credits suspension, marriage for making him better person, player
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2013 file photo, Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. Haden, playing the best football of his life, credits his growth as a player to his four-game suspension last season and his maturity to getting married earlier this year. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman) (The Associated Press)
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org