Irving, Thompson visit Browns in Berea

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BEREA -- The Cleveland Browns had two special guests at the Berea training facility on Monday morning: Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward Tristan Thompson.

Irving, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, and Thompson were in Berea Monday to speak with the Browns rookies, who are in town through the end of June. Both Irving and Thompson finished their rookie seasons in the NBA this past April.

"Coming in and talking to them, it was kind of weird knowing they are all older than me, but I feel like I could offer them the same advice, no matter how old I am, to really embrace Cleveland," Irving said. "Cleveland people love their sports. They're die-hard fans and you just have to embrace that. I feel like what you put into Cleveland is what you're going to get out of it."

Thompson's message to the Browns rookies dealt with "finding a niche" during their first year in the NFL.

"The key is finding what you did well, keep it consistent and I think that's going to help you be successful," Thompson said. "First and foremost, be a pro, be first class. Do your work in a first-class way, be respectful of the game and work every day on your game to get better."

Irving was honored as the NBA's top rookie after he averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 assists and 1.06 steals in 51 games in the lockout-shortened season. Despite missing 15 games due to injury, Irving connected on 46.9 percent of his field goals, 39.9 percent of his three-point attempts and made 87.2 percent of his free throws.

Thompson played in 60 games, made the start in 25, and averaged 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.03 blocks for the Cavs.

Thompson was the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and knows what expectations could lay ahead for Browns running back . Richardson was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

"I think he has an understanding of the game," Thompson said. "He knows to go out and play. Talking to him and having a feel for how he is as a person, I don't think he feels pressure at all. I think he knows what he needs to do and he's going to be great for the Browns this year."

In addition to speaking with the rookies, Irving and Thompson had the opportunity to tour the facility and were presented with their own personalized Browns jerseys, complete with their basketball numbers and names stitched into the uniforms.

Both Cavaliers players walked away from Berea with positive impressions.

"I know it's probably one of the best ones in the NFL," Thompson said of the facility. "The people here are great, just like the Cavs. Everyone wants just to see success and I think they have a good plan, blueprint. The coach is great. The rookies are going to do well. I'm excited I could come here and talk."

Irving added, "I know a few Browns players and watching their games, you know they're hard-fought and they give it all, all the time. They always give themselves a chance to win and it's good to see. They're out there competing every day, just like we're out there competing on the floor just for the city of Cleveland. It's a good sight to see."

For Irving, another good sight was that of third-year Browns defensive back . Haden is an avid supporter of all teams Cleveland and has made appearances at Cleveland Indians and Cavs games. Haden has also taken in some Lake Erie Monsters hockey games at Quicken Loans Arena.

According to Irving, Haden was one of the first guys he met after being drafted by the Cavaliers.

"He told me before the season, when we were in a lockout, that he was going to come to a couple games just like me, having my sleeve on with my socks and my knee pads," Irving said. "It's a good feeling to know to just look to my right, across from the bench, and there's Joe in a full Cavs uniform and my jersey."