Jim Brown's on-again, off-again offseason tirade against the Cleveland Browns has been laced with repeated jabs at Trent Richardson, the rookie being counted on to produce some of Brown's ancient magic on the field.
Brown downplayed Richardson as an "ordinary" talent. Richardson is out to prove the (cranky) legend incorrect.
"I laugh at the situation," Richardson told ESPN.com earlier this month. "You don't know me from spic to span. But he's Jim Brown. He's done a lot here and I haven't done anything yet. I have a lot to accomplish and big shoes to fill. When it comes down to it, I have to work and make sure I make him a believer. I haven't done anything yet."
Team president Mike Holmgren has talked about a reconciliation with Brown, saying he'd welcome him back "with open arms." Richardson went out of his way to say he had "no problem" with Brown, but the Hall of Fame back's critique has felt misguided from the start.
When we met the rookie here in the newsroom last month, Richardson spoke with humility about changing Cleveland's fortunes, turning the Browns into a winner alongside Brandon Weeden. Richardson didn't mention personal numbers, just the team. It shouldn't be a chore for Jim Brown to get behind this.