Browns' Joe Haden speaks on the LeBron effect in Cleveland

Joe Haden has quickly become one of the most recognizable athletes in Cleveland while starring for the Cleveland Browns over the past five seasons. 

The 25-year-old star cornerback still pales in comparison to one notable Akron resident: LeBron James. 

Haden spoke to Monday Morning Quarterback's Robert Klemko on the effect James's return to the Cavaliers has had on the city. 

I couldn't really see the LeBron difference at first. I first got to Cleveland a few months before he left (to play for the Miami Heat). One time before he left I went downtown and I see 'Bron walking across the street with like 28 dudes. I was like 'ah man, this is sick.' Then when he left, people would always say, 'when LeBron was here it was crazy.' But I thought Cleveland was cool. I was having a good time. But now that he's back, I can see the difference. More people wanting to be here, to be affiliated with him, coming to Cleveland because LeBron's in Cleveland. We had David Beckham, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Kevin Hart ... in Cleveland. The streets were packed. He's an industry. He brings so much money to the city. And going to the Cavs games? We used to have a little hookup, but when LeBron came all the season tickets sold out, floor seats sold out, and security got a little tighter at (Quicken Loans Arena). Everything changed up. It was night and day.

The Browns haven't been terrible themselves, going 7-7 on the year. Yet it's apparent to everyone, Haden included, that LeBron is the reason why Cleveland got some of its groove back.