Browns’ Beckham puts on a show
Odell Beckham Jr. made himself right at home on the opening day of the Browns’ training camp.
The threetime Pro Bowl wide receiver made two highlightreel catches on throws from Baker Mayfield, delighting a capacity crowd that was lined up outside the gates several hours before they opened Thursday in Berea, Ohio.
“I feel like I belong here already,” Beckham said, breaking into a smile, “but I still don’t have a house yet, so if anyone has any suggestions on where to live, let me know.
“You could feel the hunger to win and the warmth from the fans out there. I do love the love and I’m just happy to be in a situation where I can give love back.”
Cleveland fans’ crush on Beckham began as soon he was acquired in a March 13 trade with the New York Giants. His No. 13 was Nike’s bestselling jersey over the next 2½ months nationally, four spots ahead of Mayfield, according to the NFLPA.
Their popularity was reflected in the stands at the Browns’ training facility, as seemingly every other fan was wearing Beckham or Mayfield apparel. Though Cleveland went 781 last season and hasn’t made the playoffs in 17 years, “OBJ” has ignited optimism. Steelers’ Tomlin extended: Pittsburgh and head coach Mike Tomlin agreed on a oneyear contract extension that will run through the 2021 season. Tomlin, 47, had two years left on his previous deal.
Tomlin is 126661 since replacing Bill Cowher in 2007. He has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances — winning one — while earning six AFC North titles and eight playoff berths overall. Pittsburgh is looking to bounce back from a lateseason collapse that forced it to miss the postseason for the first time since 2013.
Gore practices: At 36, Frank Gore refused to let what he called a “cramping” issue prevent him from taking part in his first practice for the Bills. Gore was activated off the nonfootball injury list upon passing his physical a few hours before practice.
“I had to,” said the former 49ers running back, who signed a oneyear contract with Buffalo in March. “My first year here, I wanted to be out there with my team to show them how much I do care about this team and helping this team be successful.”
Briefly: Chargers left tackle Russell Okung revealed via Twitter that he is being treated for blood clots and is not practicing . ... Quarterback Andrew Luck (calf injury) was limited to individual drills at Indianapolis’ first trainingcamp practice and might not participate in full team work for three or four more days . ... Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard fractured his left thumb in the team’s first practice at training camp; he will be evaluated on a weektoweek basis . ... The Jets and firstround pick Quinnen Williams agreed to terms on a fouryear contract worth $32.5 million, fully guaranteed . ... Washington left tackle Trent Williams, upset with his contract, is holding out . ... Jacksonville expects defensive end Yannick Ngakoue’s holdout to be brief.