Odell Beckham Jr.'s Spectacular Yet Controversial NFL Career

The Incredible Career of Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr., often referred to simply as "OBJ," is one of the most talented and controversial wide receivers in the NFL today. Ever since being drafted by the New York Giants in 2014, Beckham has wowed fans with his dazzling one-handed catches and explosive athleticism. However, he has also frequently made headlines for both positive and negative reasons.

College Success at LSU

Beckham played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 2011 to 2013. He immediately made an impact as a true freshman, catching 41 passes for 475 yards and 2 touchdowns. His breakout year came as a junior in 2013 when he had 59 receptions for 1,152 yards and 8 touchdowns in just 12 games.

Beckham became known for his ability to stretch the field and make difficult contested catches look routine. His freakish athletic talent was on full display during his iconic one-handed touchdown grab against UAB in 2013. This catch brought him national recognition and cemented his status as a future NFL star.

Instant Impact with the Giants

The New York Giants selected Beckham with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Initially, he missed much of training camp and the first four games of the season due to a hamstring injury. But once Beckham got on the field, he immediately established himself as one of the league's most exciting young players.

In just 12 games, OBJ had 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns on his way to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. He instantly developed a strong rapport with Giants quarterback Eli Manning as their go-to receiver. Beckham's one-handed grabs and explosive run after the catch ability made him a human highlight reel week after week.

Record-Setting Start to NFL Career

Beckham's first two NFL seasons rank right up there with any other wide receiver ever. Over his first two years, OBJ amassed 187 receptions, 2,755 yards, and 25 touchdowns in just 27 games. Those numbers stacked up very favorably to legends like Jerry Rice and Randy Moss at similar points in their careers.

In 2015, Beckham went over 1,300 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. He was establishing himself as perhaps the most dangerous threat in all of football. Beckham combined supreme route-running skills with blazing 4.43 speed in the 40-yard dash. Paired with those legendary one-handed catches, he had the entire NFL in awe of his talents.

Fiery Personality Raises Controversy

While his talent has never been in question, Beckham's fiery personality and emotional outbursts have brought plenty of controversy as well. He has been criticized for frequent on-field confrontations with opponents, along with occasional fights with teammates and kicking nets in frustration.

OBJ's most infamous moment came in a 2015 game when then-Panthers cornerback Josh Norman covered him tightly. This resulted in several heated exchanges and at one point Beckham blindsided Norman with a crushing helmet-to-helmet hit. Beckham was suspended one game for his role in the incident but continued to be a lightning rod going forward.

Injuries and Down Year for Giants

The 2016 season represented a bit of a disappointment for both OBJ and the Giants. Beckham got off to a strong start but battled injuries in the second half, missing several games due to a hamstring issue. Even when on the field, he lacked some of his trademark explosiveness while clearly still hobbled.

Perhaps more importantly, the Giants stumbled to just 11 wins after making the playoffs the previous year. Despite OBJ setting a career best with 101 catches, the team finished near the bottom of the league in total offense. Questions arose regarding whether Beckham could be relied on as a team leader going forward.

Signing Massive Contract Extension

Prior to 2018, the Giants clearly still believed wholeheartedly in their young star receiver. They signed Beckham to a massive 5 year, $90 million contract making him the highest paid wideout in the NFL. This new deal gave OBJ over $60 million guaranteed, a record amount for his position at the time.

In return, Beckham got his 2018 season off to a tremendous start. Through the first 5 games, he already had over 500 yards receiving to go along with 5 touchdowns. Sadly his year was then cut short by a broken ankle and OBJ was forced to watch another disappointing Giants season from the sideline.

Trade to Cleveland Browns

Perhaps the most shocking saga of Beckham's career unfolded in 2019 offseason. Despite signing him to a huge contract just one year prior, the Giants dealt their frustrated star receiver to the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade.

Teaming with his close friend Jarvis Landry, OBJ was supposed to take the long struggling Browns to the next level on offense. However, while he had a few big games, Beckham battled injuries and never truly clicked with young quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Browns failed to make the playoffs despite plenty of lofty preseason expectations.

Super Bowl Champion with the Rams

After another disappointing, drama-filled year in Cleveland, OBJ got a career revival following his release midway through the 2021 season. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams and suddenly got to play for a true Super Bowl contender.

Although not putting up huge numbers, Beckham made several clutch catches during the Rams' successful playoff run. This included a key first half touchdown in the big game, as Los Angeles went on defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to earn Beckham his long awaited first championship ring.

The Legacy of Odell Beckham Jr.

Now approaching his 30's after nearly a decade in the league, what will OBJ's legacy ultimately be? His talent places him undoubtedly as one of the most spectacular receivers of his generation and arguably of all time.

However, injuries have impacted him significantly the past several seasons. Not since his first few years has Beckham put together an MVP caliber campaign over a full year. His fiery personality has also rubbed some people the wrong way at times.

After securing that elusive Super Bowl ring, perhaps OBJ can reinvent himself once again as a savvy veteran leader. If he can stay healthy and channel his passion more constructively, Beckham still has enough left in the tank to shine bright for years to come. Wherever the journey takes him next, football fans will surely be watching each time #13 takes the field.

FAQs

What is Odell Beckham Jr best known for?

Odell Beckham Jr. is best known for making incredible one-handed catches look routine. His insane grabs have resulted in many legendary highlights over his NFL career.

What was Odell Beckham Jr's most famous catch?

Beckham's most iconic catch came in a November 2014 game against the Dallas Cowboys. He reached back with one hand to snag a touchdown pass while falling backwards into the end zone. This catch instantly went viral and became one of the most unforgettable plays in recent memory.

Why did the Giants trade Odell Beckham Jr?

After signing him to a huge $90 million contract, the Giants still decided to trade Beckham in 2019. Tension had built between OBJ and the team due to his fiery personality and injuries. The Giants ultimately felt the offer from the Cleveland Browns was too good to pass up.

What team does Odell Beckham Jr play for now?

As of the start of the 2022 season, OBJ is currently a free agent. He played a key role in helping the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl 56 but tore his ACL during that same game. It remains to be seen when he will return to action once healthy.