Joe Haden, Special Olympics Global Ambassador, wants to end 'r-word'

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden is using his fame to put an end to a word he doesn't want anyone to use again.

He has taken up the cause of ridding the "R-word" from society because of the negative connotation it has for those with disabilities. Haden is the first NFL player to be named a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.

"Open up your vocabulary, people," Haden told ESPN.com. "The R-word is hurtful, hateful and ignorant. Like the N-word, it should not be part of our language."

ESPN said Haden has been fighting to get more attention for the "Spread The Word To End The Word" campaign to eliminate the "R-word."

Haden became involved with Special Olympics because of his younger brother Jacob, who has a cognitive disorder. The ESPN piece drew plenty of positive reaction, which Haden retweeted, and even the attention of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. Haden has become one of the best cornerbacks in football, and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons. He's been a great ambassador for the Browns and the NFL off the field as well.