CLEVELAND — CLEVELAND – Some National Football League players exchange game-worn jerseys following games, but Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is not the average gift giver.
Beckham Jr. had a special gift in mind for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and following Sunday’s game between the teams at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, he presented a special pair of cleats to the future Hall of Fame signal-caller after the Patriots (8-0) defeated the Browns (2-5), 27-13, in front of the home fans.
In recognition of the Patriots’ on-field leader being referred to as “The G.O.A.T,” which stands for “The Greatest of All Time,” Beckham Jr. gave Brady special goat hair cleats, which the quarterback took graciously, and then, gave to a New England assistant for safekeeping as he continued shaking hands with Browns players.
During his weekly pregame press conference ahead of Sunday’s game at the Patriots, Beckham Jr. spoke very highly of Brady.
“Tom Brady is the G.O.A.T,” Beckham Jr. said. “I know we’ve done some goat cloning, and I think there’s something going on. He’s not human that he’s playing the way he’s still playing. He’s mentally prepared every single game, decisive decisions.
“He knows how to manage a game. He plays offense and defense with the way that he plays. He’s very smart. He’s the best to ever do it. I don’t think anybody can really argue it. He’s just the greatest, and I definitely want some of the water that he’s drinking.”
Brady completed 20 of his 36 attempts for 259 yards and two touchdowns against no turnovers against the Browns. Brady’s two touchdown passes went to wide receiver Julian Edelman, a product of Kent State University.
“Ever since I could remember, I’ve been watching Tom Brady,” Beckham Jr. said. “He’s one of my biggest idols. Someone I look up to, who has inspired me throughout my life. And it’s just been this way for as long as I can remember, this has been the team to beat.
“It’s been the team that everybody has their eyes on because they’re the best and (Coach Bill) Belichick has just done a phenomenal job over there in running it and getting the team exactly how he wants them, so you’re going to have to bring you’re A-plus game.”
Once rumored to be in line to be traded to the Patriots, Beckham Jr. is focused on turning the Browns into the NFL’s next dynasty.
“I want to turn this into the Patriots organization, one it’s about winning, but it’s about the way they go about it, how everything is precise and everything is just perfect,” Beckham Jr. said. “It feels good to win, it feels good to succeed and that’s what I meant by wanting to be like them.”