If Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson is tired of answering questions about Jim Brown, the fourth overall pick sure hides it well. Richardson continued to take the high road Friday at an NFL Play 60 Youth Event when asked about Brown's withering criticisms.
Jeremiah: Instant-impact rookies
Four rookies made NFL Network's "Top 100" list. Daniel Jeremiah identifies four who could make it from the Class of 2012. **More ...**
"I've got big shoes to fill. I don't dislike Jim Brown for his comments on me. He's just pushing me to the limit," Richardson said. "He's going to make sure I'm going to work and make sure he can get everything he can out of me as far as me being in Cleveland.
"I'd like to meet him. ... Just to be in his presence, it's going to be an honor. He's an icon, he's a legend."
It's a mature approach from Richardson that suggests he'll be able to handle some of the odd controversies that will be thrown his way as a high draft pick.
"Trent's got thick skin," teammate Brandon Weeden said Friday. "It doesn't matter what anyone says to Trent -- I mean, he's got thick skin. Which you have to have to play at this level, especially at the positions we play. Obviously, Jim Brown is one of the best, probably the best running back to ever play here, and he's got a right to say that, but Trent doesn't worry about it. I promise you that. All you have to do is look at the tape of (him at) Alabama. He was a special player down there."
We agree with Weeden. Richardson doesn't need to be Jim Brown. Richardson's rugged three-down skills should be plenty to help Cleveland.
