Odell Beckham Jr., drafted by the New York Giants with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent five seasons with the team before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019. Now, seven years after his departure, Beckham has shared candid thoughts about his experience and feelings surrounding his exit from the Giants. The wide receiver’s reflections were made public during a Paramount Plus broadcast of the Champions League Finals this past Saturday, where he expressed a strong desire to have continued playing for the franchise.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler, revealed his ambition to lead the Giants to a Super Bowl victory. His connection to the team ran deep, and leaving was far from something he welcomed.
“For me, it’s like the New York Giants,” Beckham said. “I never ever wanted to leave the New York Giants. The reason you heard me talking about what was going on was because I was pissed because where I come from in college, if we lost one game, our season was over.”
—Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver
He went on to emphasize the significance of the Giants in his career and his competitive mindset.
“This was the organization I got drafted to. They believed in me. So if the Giants went on and won a Super Bowl, I would be happy. But deep down inside, I wanted to be the one. No question. So it’s definitely you’ll always hold that.”
—Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver
During Beckham’s tenure, he amassed 5,476 receiving yards and 44 touchdowns over five seasons. He helped guide the Giants to the playoffs once, in the 2016 season, though the team’s run ended in a Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers. Subsequently, Beckham found Super Bowl success with the Los Angeles Rams, winning Super Bowl LVI in his single season with them.
Current Status and Future Uncertainties for Odell Beckham Jr.
Most recently, Beckham spent the 2024 NFL season with the Miami Dolphins, joining a roster that included standout receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, after playing just nine games, the Dolphins waived the wide receiver in December. His current status remains that of a free agent as the 2025 season approaches.
Last month, Beckham shared an introspective message on Instagram, focusing on his personal happiness and well-being rather than his professional outlook. The post featured moments with his son and a statement reflecting his search for fulfillment beyond football.
“Where I’m at in my life. Hmmmm…..I’m really doin what makes my SOUL happy,” Beckham wrote. “We all got different paths but on the same journey. n that’s to find true happiness in this lifetime whatever that may be for u. Fxckk the bullsxht and everythin else in between…Love on the ones who love u whil we still here…”
—Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver
With Beckham turning 33 this coming November, speculation grows over what his next step might be, whether returning to the league for another season or possibly retiring after a decade-long NFL career. Fans and analysts alike watch closely, as his decision will mark an important transition for the former Giants star.