One of the most overused narratives in sports is labeling players as a We guy or a Me guy. It drives me crazy. Especially when it comes to new Cleveland Browns Wide-Receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

There is no doubt that Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most polarizing figures in the National Football League. He is a Diva Wide-Receiver. He is a vocal guy. He will tell you what is exactly on his mind at any given time. Those traits may not be the most embraced by the media and opposing teams but to this day I will never understand why those traits automatically label a player as a “Me Guy.”

When OBJ is healthy he is always at practice and always on the field. Whether he is playing on a playoff team or a bad team, he is out on the field. Was he happy about how things were being managed in New York? Heck no. Nor should he be. I believe a stars responsibility is to hold their team accountable. If that means questioning management and questioning a coach from time to time then I am fine with that. To me that is a direct reflection of their leadership, competitiveness, & desire to win.

OBJ calling out the Giants does not make him a “Me Guy” – OBJ asking for a trade from a losing organization does not make him a “Me Guy” – OBJ wants to win and he wants to play for a contender.

As a fan I have more respect for a guy like OBJ wanting to win and to play for a contender than I do for a guy like Joey Votto or Bryce Harper who only care about the money and if winning comes with it then great but if not then they are content. To me that is a true definition of a “Me Guy”

Every athlete in any sport is a “Me Guy” – We are all self driven and self motivated. What is in it for us? What is in it for me?

LeBron James is a prime example. LBJ has destroyed more teams and locker rooms than any player in sports today. But he’s not looked at as a villain. Why is that? What is it about OBJ that makes him a villain or a “me” guy?

If you think OBJ is a “Me Guy” then you’re just a hater. It’s that simple. If you can give me a reason to label him as a selfish “Me Guy” then I will change my tune. Until then…Keep on hating on haters.

 

GO BROWNS!!