It wasn’t even a month ago when Browns rookie Trent Richardson said he didn’t need to hear an explanation from Jim Brown for the legend’s critical remarks.
But now, as the Browns organization appears interested in mending fences with their greatest player, the rookie is sounding a more respectful note, saying he’d “most definitely” like to meet the guy who called him “ordinary.”
“Just to be in his presence would be an honor,” Richardson told Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. “He is an icon. He is a legend. I have to get on my high horse if I’m going to live up to Jim Brown’s expectations.”
Asked about the criticism Brown pointed his way during the draft process, which included “I don’t see anything outstanding about him,” Richardson shrugged it off.
“To me, I laugh at the situation,” Richardson said. “In my head, that means I have a lot of work to do. I still do. Cleveland, never having won the Super Bowl, hopefully, I can be one of the guys to be on a Super Bowl team in Cleveland. I have big shoes to fill. It’s just a lot of motivation.
“I don’t dislike Jim Brown for the comments. He’s pushed me to the limit … made sure he gets everything he can out of me.”
Fellow rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden said he’s been impressed with how Richardson’s reacted.
“Trent’s got thick skin,” Weeden said. “It doesn’t matter what anybody says. Trent doesn’t worry about it, I can promise you that. All you have to do is turn on the tape from Alabama to see what he did. He was a special player down there.”
If nothing else, Richardson’s back-tracking might make it easier to get Brown back on board, and end his estrangement from the franchise with which he shares a name.