OBJ Says, Yes, He Wants Ball, But Not As Much As Wins

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is being diplomatic when it comes to his standing with the Cleveland Browns.

Basically, he wants the ball. But it's not the only thing that will make him happy. Or at least, so he says.

“I can’t sit there and lie like I don’t want the ball,” Beckham told the media. “I feel like I’m a shooter . I know I bring a lot of attention to defenses and other people are going to be open. You just have to live with that."

There have been ongoing questions about Beckham and quarterback Baker Mayfield, and whether the two have an actual connection. They insist they do. But what happens on the field sometimes make you have your doubts.

So far this season, Beckham has appeared in three games, catching nine passes for 124 yards. Throw in the fact he doesn't have a touchdown, and it's fair to say his numbers have been pedestrian.

But the Browns are always competitive, often win, and are 3-2 heading into Sunday's home game vs. the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals. Cleveland is undoubtedly among the favorites in the AFC -- with each of its two closes losses coming on the road to other contenders (Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers).

It's that type of status, as a team, that Beckham insisted is his priority.

"The ultimate goal is to win the championship and I feel like I’m in a great situation to do that," he said.

Written by
Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.