Former University of Alabama running back Trent Richardson “couldn’t really explain” the feeling he had when the Cleveland Browns made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft Thursday night.
What he was able to explain was his joy to be a part of the Browns organization.
“I’m happy to be in Cleveland and I’m proud to be a part of the Cleveland Browns,” Richardson said. “It’s better than winning the national championship. It’s a lot of hard work from my mom and the feeling that I have right now is incredible. I’m on Cloud Nine. I’m high on life right now.”
Although he is the newest Cleveland Brown, Richardson is a quick study.
He knows the history of the Browns, specifically at the running back position. Three former Browns running backs, Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly and Bobby Mitchell, all went on to receive the highest individual honor in the game, induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“The Browns, they’ve had great running backs there,” Richardson said. “When it comes to it, their football is almost like a college town football team. Bama Nation is crazy out there and when it comes to playing football for Cleveland, I’m a happy man and I’m excited. As a matter of fact, one of my hometown friends that I kind of grew up with and my brother played ball with, 
Brown was on the ESPN family of networks on Thursday and referred to Richardson as an “ordinary” back. Richardson plans on using comments about his abilities as motivation when he takes the field for the orange and brown this fall.
“I don’t have a reaction to that because I’ve got a lot to play for,” Richardson said. “With big shoes and the stuff he did in life, I’ve got a lot to prove. I don’t listen to anything negative about it and I’m going to prove him wrong. I’m an ordinary human, but as a back, I’m going to be that special guy. I’m going to make sure they always remember my name and have to compare people to me.”
Richardson also plans on working through a “big adjustment” when going to the NFL from the collegiate ranks. He has a simple goal for himself when he reports to the team’s Berea facility.
“I’m just trying to make this team better. I can’t predict the future, but whatever it is, that’s going to be my team,” Richardson said. “I’m going to make sure I bond with my team and we jell together and try to get everybody to buy into the program. If we buy into the program and get on the same page and have that leadership, I don’t think we can be touched.”
At the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in February, Richardson told reporters that he wanted to be considered an all-around back, one capable of staying on the field for any and all situations. He echoed those same sentiments on Thursday night.
“As a receiver, I feel like I can get out there when it’s third down,” he said. “If they want to go five-wide, they don’t have to put an extra receiver out there; just put me out there. If a linebacker lines up on me, it’s a lot of trouble. If they put a cornerback on me and I touch that ball in space, it’s going to be a lot of trouble for him too. We’re going to get better. We’re going to win. We’re ready and we’re almost there.”
