Browns’ Trent Richardson: “I want to be in the Hall of Fame”
Jim Brown may have a different point of view, but newly drafted Cleveland Browns running back and former Alabama Crimson Tide standout Trent Richardson has his sights set on being the best in the NFL.
“I want to be in the Hall of Fame and I want to be one of the most talked-about running backs in the NFL,” Richardson told the Akron Beacon Journal. “I want my name to always be remembered in a good way, not in a dumb way or in a crazy way. For me, I’m always gonna work hard and make sure that my standards are set high.”
Richardson grew up in a tough neighborhood in Pensacola, Fla., filled with drugs, violence and poverty. He had two daughters when he was just a teenager.
Richardson was the third overall pick in the NFL draft following an amazing career at Alabama. Last season, he had 1,679 rushing yards, breaking Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram’s record for most rushing yards in a season. He also scored 21 touchdowns.
This week, Richardson and the other 252 members of this year’s draft class received reminders about how to stay on the right path during the 15th NFL Rookie Symposium.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens, both of whom have had their share of off-the-field drama, spoke to the rookies this week.
“To me, (the most important lesson) was what Adam Jones said: ‘Make sure you look at that bank statement, make sure you do background checks on your financial advisor, your agent, your broker, all that stuff,”‘ Richardson said. “I had never thought about that stuff. That’s something I’m going to go back and double check on.’
“I have kept my circle small. I have friends back home, but they know their spot. They know their place, and when I get with them, I get with them and I talk to them. But they know when I’m working it is straight business. I’m not going to let anyone interfere with my business.”
Richardson believes his foundation will help him remain disciplined.
“My mom kept me humble with church and my faith,” Richardson said. “Football can mold you into a man and mold you into a different person and a respectful person when you have coaches like I had.”
Such as Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, who led Richardson and the Crimson Tide to another national championship last January.
“I’m gonna always be that guy that didn’t have that much, and I’m gonna always work hard. I’ll make sure I remember where I came from.”
