James Gordon
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Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland Browns’ first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski was named NFL Coach of the Year by Sporting News and the Professional Football Writers of America on Thursday, which was no surprise to Odell Beckham Jr.
The Browns wide receiver responded to the news on Twitter by writing: Duhhhh…..
Duhhh….. pic.twitter.com/P7BG4DmUbS
– Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) January 21, 2021
Behind Stefanski, the Browns reached the playoffs for the first time in 18 years and matched their best record since 1994.
Stefanski is the first Browns head coach to receive the PFWA award since Marty Schottenheimer was named AFC Coach of the Year in 1986, according to an official Browns release. For Sports News magazine, it’s the first time since Paul Brown won it in 1953.
Although the Browns saw their season end last week after a 22-17 loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round, Stefanski acknowledged that the team still had a lot to be proud of.
When you look at the season, as we all do when it’s over, I think we definitely accomplished a lot, Stefanski told reporters on Monday. We did a number of things, but in the end we ran out of time and our players and coaches are now very frustrated. We can certainly look back and see some of the things we have accomplished and be proud of them.
Kevin Stefanski praises Odell Beckham
Getty ImagesCleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski.
What makes the Browns’ performance even more impressive is that they did it without Beckham, one of their most talented offensive players.
I know he is working hard to get better in his rehab. I’m glad to have him back, Stefanski said. I know it wasn’t easy for him to be away from his teammates, especially as the games got bigger and he made the playoffs. I know he really wanted to be a part of it.
Beckham recently confirmed it on Instagram and sent a message to his team.
It was a bittersweet season even though I just wanted to be with the team, the receiver wrote on his Instagram post on Wednesday. I had to put my pride aside and just watch it bloom. I am proud and inspired by the growth and efforts of this team this year.
Odell Beckham Jr. was proud of #Browns and missed pic.twitter.com/1v4XT58V3I
– Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 20, 2021
Odell Beckham trains with Saquon Barkley
Beckham left the team, and one of his training buddies was Saquon Barkley, his former Giants teammate.
I know one thing for sure: I will definitely contact [Odell], Barkley said in an interview with ESPN this week. Apparently Odell also tore up his knee a bit. I think we should both be there. We’re very good friends. It would also be good to compete and push each other. That’s the only thing I’m sure of. Everything else is in the air.
Before tearing his ACL in October, Beckham made 23 strikes on 43 targets for 319 yards and three touchdowns and also added a running score.
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James Gordon
