In a moment of current events meeting the Pittsburgh Steelers, former cornerback Joe Haden is hoping to return to the United States as soon as possible. Currently in Mexico amid fighting between cartels, police, and military that broke out over the weekend, Haden made a brief appearance on his Deebo & Joe podcast to let his viewers know he is okay. And trying to make it home.
“I should’ve listened to you. I should’ve listened to you, Deebo,” Haden told James Harrison, who had warned Haden not to make the trip. “Honestly, I’m a little spooked brother. I can’t even lie to you. It’s getting real tricky on this side of the world. I need to get back [my] feet planted on a U.S. territory. I’m not even trying to be funny, I’m a little spooked. Because when you’re talking cartel, they’re going against police. They run up at airports and stuff.”
Violence broke out this weekend after drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” was killed by Mexican Special Forces with assistance from the United States. In response, cartels have struck back, threatening the safety and functionality of major hubs like airports. According to the Associated Press, 25 members of the Mexican National Guard have been killed.
“I’m trying to book my stuff, I got a flight I can get now,” Haden said. “I really tried to get on this show to show you my face, let you know I am good, but I really do need to slide.”
Haden made only a brief appearance on the podcast before giving way to Harrison, who finished the rest of the show solo.
Fortunately for Haden, his trip was to Cabo, nearly 800 miles away from Puerto Vallarta where many of the attacks seemed to occur. The city of Guadalajara was also effectively shut down overnight but isn’t anywhere near where Haden is staying. Haden will likely be able to return home without issue.
Still, given the perilous and uncertain nature of the violence, Haden’s concern is well-grounded. That he felt comfortable enough to briefly appear on the show and did not report any fighting in his area is great news, and he should land back in the United States later today. He told Harrison his scheduled flight was set to leave in about 20 minutes.
Haden and Harrison should return for their next full show later this week. They’ll react to GM Omar Khan’s NFL Combine comments and their thoughts at Indy along with likely updating Haden’s travel scare.
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