Odell: Joining Rams 'felt right in my heart and in my soul'
Odell Beckham Jr. has no doubt that joining the Los Angeles Rams was the right decision for him.
"I took a lot of time in the decision-making, and it wasn't to build anticipation or nothing," the wide receiver said Saturday, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry.
"This is my life, and I feel like I've been through a lot. I'm at a point in my life where I'm ready to play football. And I've dedicated, I've sacrificed a lot to be here. It just happened that this felt right in my heart and in my soul."
Beckham generated interest from several teams after becoming a free agent following his release from the Cleveland Browns on Monday. He then waited days before inking a one-year, incentive-laden deal with the Rams on Thursday.
The 29-year-old was the second recent high-profile acquisition Los Angeles made, with the club also trading for linebacker Von Miller ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline.
"This is a tremendous team," Beckham added. "Have a great opportunity to do some great things, and I just want to be a part of it."
Beckham released a farewell message to the Browns on Saturday as he prepares to make his debut with L.A. on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.
"I want to thank the city of Cleveland for welcoming me with open arms," he said in a statement. "My goal was always to help bring a championship to the city of Cleveland from the first day I became a member of the Cleveland Browns.
"Through all the ups and downs, injuries, and rehab, I am forever grateful to have played in front of some of the greatest fans ever," he wrote.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler, will share targets with wideouts Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson, tight end Tyler Higbee, among others. The Rams have one of the NFL's deepest group of pass-catchers, but the unit took a hit Saturday after wide receiver Robert Woods suffered a torn ACL.
The 7-2 Rams, who acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford in the offseason, rank fifth in points and fourth in total yards so far this year.
"These guys, they flow," Beckham said. "It just feels right about the offense ... but I hope to find a groove and help this team find ways to win."
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