JUST MEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
ODELL BECKHAM JR is famous for his sideline strops with team-mates as well as the greatest catch in NFL history.
But after being dumped mid-season by a Cleveland team that didn’t even make the playoffs, the wide receiver found a new home in Los Angeles with the Rams – and is two wins away from his first trip to the Super Bowl.
Standing in his way tonight is Tom Brady (below) and defending champions the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers.
Beckham’s talent has never been in doubt.
He regularly makes catches that defy belief. But his explosive temperament during games has seen him court controversy regularly.
It is something he claims no longer bothers him – especially since finding a home in LA.
Beckham said: “I’m always going to be misunderstood.
“Ever since I came into the league, there’s been drama over this and that.
“It’s something that I have got over.
“Whenever it comes to me, they want to level me as a selfish this, diva that... blah, blah, blah.
“All the things that are said mean absolutely nothing to me.
“I chose to come here because I saw a great opportunity, knowing that I’d be able to play great football, not coming here thinking, ‘I’m going to be the No.1 receiver’.
“That’s not the case. I get whatever opportunities I get, I help open up other things for the offence.
“The whole perception of me – and this is no offence to anybody – but I don’t really care because I know who I am and what kind of team-mate I am.”
Beckham is used to being the star attraction but now finds himself on a team full of talent.
Having played only one playoff game in his eightyear career, he is happy simply to be part of a winning team.
“I’m taking advantage of the opportunity that has presented itself,” he added. “Statistically this isn’t exactly what I would have envisaged for myself but I feel like I’m affecting the game.
“People tend to forget that a football game is 11 guys and it takes all of us to win.”
As for going up against the defending champions tonight, Beckham knows the task but is enthused.
He said: “This is two heavyweight teams going at each other and only one can win. I hope I can make some plays to help get this team going, give it a spark, and find a way to come out with a win.”
Tonight’s other game sees Buffalo travel to Kansas City, where the Chiefs are looking to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.
With two young quarterbacks in Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes for KC,
Mahomes is looking forward to this developing into a long-term rivalry.
He said: “Josh is able to run the ball, he can throw the ball, he has the arm strength to throw anywhere on the field and he makes great decisions.
“We will probably play them a lot of times. It will be great competition and it’s a challenge for us.”