After missing most of the Browns’ best season in years, Odell Beckham Jr. took to Instagram Wednesday to share his feelings on having to watch the team’s success from the sidelines.
Cleveland made the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season, but the ex-Giant did not play a part down the stretch of its 11-5 finish after tearing his ACL in Week 7.
“It was a bittersweet season being on the outside looking in when all I wanted was to be in it with the team,” Beckham wrote in an Instagram story. “I had to put my pride aside and just watch it unfold. I’m proud and inspired by this squads growth and effort this year.”
The wide receiver followed up his confessional by recognizing his teammates, as he included photos of running back Nick Chubb, receiver Jarvis Landry, offensive tackle Jack Conklin and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
While the Browns continued to thrive without Beckham Jr., going 6-3 after his injury, Cleveland GM Andrew Berry made it clear his absence shouldn’t be viewed as a reason for the team’s progress.
“I think that’s really independent of Odell,” Berry said, via video from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’ve said it multiple times, Odell’s a good football player. He acclimated nicely with our program, with Kevin, with his teammates. Quite honestly, I just want as many good football players on the roster as possible.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski echoed those sentiments on Monday.
“I’m excited to get him back here,” Stefanski said. “I know it was not easy for him being away from his teammates, especially as these games got bigger and into the playoffs. I know he definitely wanted to be a part of it.”
Beckham Jr. finished his short-lived season with 23 receptions for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
He is under contract in Cleveland through the 2023 season, having initially signed a five-year, $90 million ($65 million guaranteed) extension with the Giants.
