Beckham: Giants stunted my physical, mental growth

Odell Beckham Jr. has been a member of the Cleveland Browns for several months but he isn't done talking about his time with the New York Giants.

Beckham asserted that he was unable to be his best self while playing for the Giants as his former organization held him back from growing as a person.

"I just felt with the Giants I was just stuck at a place that wasn't working for me anymore," he told Jacob Davey of Complex. "I felt like I wasn't going to be able to reach my full potential there; mentally, physically, spiritually, everything I felt capable of doing, I just couldn't see it happening there.

"So I think allowing me to be in an environment (with the Browns) where I can be myself and give it a different approach, I feel like my football will benefit. I'm just excited about being able to play football again and not have to deal with all the other stuff and politics that came with my previous role."

Cleveland acquired the star receiver in March in a blockbuster deal, and the 26-year-old is looking forward to his off-field strides paying dividends on the field with his new club.

"I'm trying to achieve growth," Beckham said. "I want to release myself from my past and have a fresh start. I've been waiting to explode in games, and I've been working extremely hard to take my game to the next level. That's exactly what I think I can do at the Browns."

This isn't the first time Beckham has taken a jab at his old team. Earlier in June, he alluded to Eli Manning's arm strength - or lack thereof - by saying he had to adjust to Baker Mayfield's throwing speed during practices. In April, he implied that the Giants are "OK (with) losing."

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