Trent Richardson is saying all the right things after the Cleveland Browns opted to trade him to the Indianapolis Colts in favor of a first-round draft pick in 2014. The running back was originally drafted No. 3 overall by the Browns in 2012, but after one year with the team they have decided to move. Now as many fans begin to question the ownership and decision making by the Browns, Richardson is telling the fanbase to simply trust.
"Their group there [in Cleveland], they know what they're doing," Richardson said, WOIO-TV (reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer). "Browns fans, please get behind them 100 percent, don't lose no fan base over this, still root for them. Keep hope. Because it's going to happen. The Browns are going to be good for a while when it does happen."
Obviously Cleveland fans are concerned the Browns are preparing to tank the season in order to get another top draft pick with a franchise quarterback in mind. With players like Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater prepared to forgo their final year of eligibility in favor of the NFL, the Browns view them as the future of the team. Joe Banner understands he must regain the fans trust after the trade.
"We have to earn their (fans) belief and trust and the decisions we're going to make as a group and I don't expect them to trust that until we prove to them that trust is well placed," Banner said. "So, I understand the skepticism for now, but we have to do what we think is right and move the franchise forward."
Richardson admits that he was shocked by the trade after finding out about it on the radio. He tells the local station that he is nothing but grateful for the opportunity the Browns gave him and remains very appreciative of the fan base.
The Colts are certainly grateful as well because the trade solves their run game after Vick Ballard was lost for the season. General manager Jim Irsay vowed to be active before the NFL trade deadline approached and he delivered on his word. Owner Ryan Grigson believes Richardson has only scratched the surface of what he can do on the field.
"I know the numbers," Grigson said, via the Indianapolis Star. "But the yardage is there. You see it when you're watching the film. Obviously if you have a guy that's your main threat in the offense, that's who defenses are going to key up. Trent isn't even near his ceiling. We're talking about the third pick in the draft and that's not because he's a ham-and-egger."
