Now is why Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the LA Rams

When the NFL waited and watched for the day when the Cleveland Browns parted ways with WR Odell Beckham Jr, the LA Rams were there waiting patiently. The narrative quickly formed about how OBJ was a selfish, me-first, type of player. And that narrative sprang out of the Browns PR department. Sometimes it’s wise to question the source of online material. Even if we agree with the assertion, there is a reason why things are stated. Sometimes it’s objective reasoning. Other times, it’s to save face.

Multiple NFL teams approached OBJ about signing on with their team. The decision was not about money. This was a vital turning point for the relatively young veteran wide receiver. Choosing wisely, he could resurrect his NFL career. Choose poorly, and the Browns narrative would be validated. So the choice was perhaps one that would define his future in the NFL. He had several offers, even one to join the Green Bay Packers, but he signed on with the Rams for specific reasons:

I – The LA Rams have a strong-armed starting quarterback named Matthew Stafford, a veteran who can make all of the throws necessary to get the football to a receiver.

II – The Rams have one of the more pass-friendly offenses in the NFL. Primarily lining up in an 11-personnel package, the offense’s basic formation is three wide receivers. That means plenty of offensive snaps.

III – The team was very well-positioned to compete in the NFL Playoffs. Not only did the team have offensive weapons, but the defense was formidable as well.

IV – Rams players, led by Jalen Ramsey and Von Miller, lobbied hard to persuade OBJ to sign with the Rams

Put me in coach, I’m ready to play

NFL players want to compete, want to win, and want to contribute. Just compare the two versions of his 2021 NFL season to see why he chose the LA Rams:

Team        Games  Tgts     Catches     Yards     TDs
Browns      6            34        17               232         0
Rams          8            48        27               305         5
Playoffs     3            29        19               236         1

You can see, he’s done more in three playoff games with the Rams against tougher competition than his six games with the Cleveland Browns. And forget all that jibber-jabber nonsense about the guy being a selfish and me-first type of player. Reports continue to pout out of the LA Rams organization about how much of a selfless team-first player he has proven to be on this team.

Yes, Odell Beckham Jr. wants to play for the LA Rams. Perhaps even more importantly, he knows that the team, and his teammates, want him to play here. It’s that chemistry that has helped propel the LA Rams to Super Bowl LVI. After all, which NFL player would turn down a chance to compete in, and win, a Super Bowl?

The LA Rams are heading to Super Bowl LVI, and that, after all, is why Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Rams.