Odell Beckham Jr. hosts bowling event for Canton kids

Brook Park, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. hosted children from the Canton city school district for a special bowling event in support of the Browns' 'Get 2 School Stay in the Game' initiative Tuesday.

Beckham spent the morning talking to the students, taking selfies, throwing some strikes and coaching them up as they bowled.

Beckham took up the cause of the team's campaign, which encourages school administrators, teachers, parents and students to do their part to prevent chronic absenteeism in school.

"My dad always said, 'no A, no play,' and my mom, I remember coming home and would be terrified to give her that report card if I didn't have the grades that I wanted," Beckham said. "So they always stressed to me that the school work was important."

Beckham's intellect in addition to his athletic gifts have helped him become one of the most prolific players in the NFL, and he credits his commitment in the classroom when he was growing up for his success.

"You have to memorize plays, you have to memorize coverages, there's so much that goes into football," Beckham said. "It's not set-hut, pass the ball, run, score a touchdown. It's not that simple. So there's a lot more, especially in the NFL at the highest level. You've got to be smart to do it."

Beckham hopes this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his involvement in the community.

"I just love being around kids. I just love being able to inspire somebody," Beckham said. "I remember when I was their age and I looked at somebody that way so I know that I have a role in society and a role for these kids, so I just want to fulfill my legacy in each and every way."

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have invested significantly in the team's philanthropic efforts locally, placing special emphasis on educational programs and providing updated athletic fields throughout northeast Ohio.

Beckham is anxious to make his mark too.

"I never exactly had the opportunity in New York to do those things and I've seen that they're so big over here in making sure the community's straight and I loved it and I wanted to be a part of it," Beckham said.

"I'm a big kid at heart. I love nothing more than having fun, playing and just kind of living life carefree. Not to say that I can do that anymore, but there's still always that part of me that can relate to them so easily. I can sit here and be in here for hours just talking to them. It's always cool for me to be around them. They're my inspiration, my motivation and they drive me to keep going."