The Sports Xchange

Like Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine, Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden has seen a positive change in quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Some teammates may have lost faith in Manziel last year, but Haden never wavered.

“(Monday) was the first day, and he stayed about three hours after we had to leave when the time was done,” Haden told reporters Tuesday. “Actions speak a lot louder than words. He has a lot to show the people, but he’s trying his best. I think he’s got his mind right, and he’s just ready to get it going.”

Manziel recently concluded 10 weeks at the Caron treatment center outside of Reading, Pa. The Browns and others had become increasingly concerned about his partying and apparent denial.

Haden had a long one-on-one conversation with Manziel on Monday.

“He’s one of my good friends,” Haden said. “We talk about real life things. I could just tell he’s motivated. When I talked to him, I could tell there’s something different with him.

“I’m not going to say he didn’t put some of it on himself, but just being a grown man, I think between our conversations, I like where his mind’s at and what course he’s taken now.”

Haden, in his sixth season with the Browns, is one of the leaders on the team reaching out to the team’s younger and troubled players.

“We can just support him the best we can — support him and like he said he has a lot himself to prove,” Haden said. “There’s not a lot we can do. He has to show it. We’re going to definitely have his back and support him, but he’s going to have to come out here and do it — come out here, be on time, study and show this is important to him.”

Haden was asked if he still believes Manziel can be a a successful NFL quarterback.

“One thousand percent,” Haden said.

“He has the ability. He just can’t do all of those things (off the field). He shows flashes like when we were in training camp, some of the things he does, some people just can’t do. One thing he has now is he’s motivated. He really knows he has a second chance. He has an opportunity and he’s just ready to get after it. Just focus more. And (he) just knows he has to be in here a lot more often if he wants to be a professional quarterback in the league. He’s told me he realizes that and I’m happy for him.”