Trading for Odell Beckham Jr. gives the Cleveland Browns organization a lot more than just a fantastic wide receiver capable of insanely difficult catches. Beckham provides the Browns a bigger, more worldly profile in the international sports pantheon.
The newest Browns wide receiver is one of a handful of American football players to make the cut for the World Fame 100 list from ESPN. The World Fame 100 ranks athletes around the world by their fame, recognizability and endorsement and social media cachet.
Beckham checks in at No. 51 overall. Only Tom Brady ranks higher among American football players.
The list is dominated by athletes from overseas, primarily soccer players but also several cricketers and tennis players. Northeast Ohio’s own LeBron James, now missing the playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers, is the top American athlete at No. 2. Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal ranks No. 1.
