NFL: Giants ‘should be proud’ to have Odell Beckham Jr.
HOUSTON — Odell Beckham Jr. got it done last week at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla. He so impressed the NFL with his professionalism and interaction with fans that Troy Vincent, the league’s NFL executive vice president, sent the Giants a letter praising the emotional receiver.
“He was a stellar ambassador of our sport to fans, coaches, his fellow players and all who came into contact with him during the week,’’ Vincent wrote in the letter, a copy of which The Post obtained. “Throughout the skill challenge and each day’s activities, Odell went above and beyond in his engagement. From signing autographs to taking pictures to encouraging others, we found his cheerful attitude and dynamic smile as an example to all.’’
No doubt, the Giants were pleased to receive the news about Beckham’s comportment, even if it came at a no-pressure event such as the Pro Bowl. Beckham ended his third NFL season experiencing some turbulence. He partied in Miami with fellow receivers Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepard and Roger Lewis only six days before a playoff game at Green Bay. Beckham was terrible in that game, nearly dropping as many passes as he caught (three) and afterward allegedly punched a hole in the wall in the hallway at Lambeau Field in frustration. That prompted Giants general manager Jerry Reese to state publicly that the time has come for Beckham, 24, to “grow up.’’
The letter from Vincent was sent to Reese, co-owner John Mara, Ben McAdoo and David Tyree, the Giants’ director of player development. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Beckham’s agent, Zeke Sandhu, also were sent a copy.
The three-paragraph letter concluded by stating, “Odell single-handedly took our engagement efforts to a higher level. You should be proud to have him representing your club and your city at the Pro Bowl and I didn’t want to go another day without writing to acknowledge his extraordinary efforts.’’