Odell Beckham Jr. recently shared his thoughts on the trade that sent him from the New York Giants to the Cleveland Browns in 2019. Speaking on his Ravens teammate Marlon Humphrey’s “Punch Line Podcast,” Beckham expressed his belief that the Giants orchestrated the trade to undermine his career.
Key Takeaway
Odell Beckham Jr. expressed his belief that the New York Giants traded him to the Cleveland Browns with the intention of undermining his career, leading to feelings of betrayal and a desire to prove himself in the aftermath of the trade.
Feelings of Sabotage
Beckham revealed that he felt the Giants intentionally traded him to Cleveland to hinder his success, stating, “There’s a semi bit of me that feels like the Giants sent me off, I’ve said it before, sent me off to Cleveland to die.” He expressed his belief that the Giants could have secured better trade deals with other teams but chose Cleveland as a less favorable destination, leading him to feel betrayed.
Trade Details and Career Challenges
Reflecting on the trade, Beckham highlighted the trade package that involved him and defensive end Olivier Vernon being sent to the Browns in exchange for safety Jabrill Peppers, guard Kevin Zeitler, and draft picks. He also acknowledged the challenges he faced during his time with the Giants, where he gained attention not only for his on-field performance but also for his off-field behavior, including emotional outbursts.
Competitiveness and Desire to Win
Beckham emphasized his competitive nature and his desire to win, expressing frustration with the Giants’ performance during his tenure. He also mentioned his urgency to win, particularly due to the situation of his quarterback at the time, Eli Manning, and his wish for Manning to conclude his career with another Super Bowl victory.
Perceived Spite and Moving Forward
Sharing his perspective on the trade, Beckham described feeling that the move had elements of spite and a desire to prevent him from excelling elsewhere. Despite the challenges he faced, Beckham’s career has continued, including a Super Bowl win with the Rams and his current pursuit of another championship with the Ravens.
