Odell Beckham, Jr.'s departure from the New York Giants was met with extensive criticism, but not due to a perception that the superstar wide receiver forced his way out of the Meadowlands. Rather, there's a growing contingent of league followers who believe the Giants portrayed Beckham unfairly, as a me-first rabble-rouser whose undeniable on-field production wasn't worth the headaches he created within the locker room and grander organizational structure.

Beckham made it even easier to dismiss those pointed murmurs coming from his former team on Thursday, posting a heartfelt thank you to the Giants' franchise at large – including a member of the kitchen staff – and their fans on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_SET4Fc4u/

Beckham was traded to the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday in exchange for first and third-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft and promising third-year safety Jabrill Peppers. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman had previously tried to squash rumors that his team had any interest in trading the three-time Pro Bowler, telling reporters late last month that New York didn't sign Beckham to a five-year, $95 million extension last August only to trade him less than a year later.

Many former teammates and New York staffers have come out in support of Beckham in the wake of the trade, consistently appealing to his commitment to getting better and overall generosity. Giants followers, still reeling from losing a home-grown superstar, have largely followed suit, flocking to social media to relay story after story of Beckham going out of his way to engage with fans.