Odell Beckham JR

Odell Beckham Jr Diva or Misunderstood?

Something a bit different from me today and it revolves around Odell Beckham JR. Odell Beckham JR was drafted in the 2014 draft class at pick 12 in the first round by the New York Football Giants out of LSU. As a junior in college he combined with fellow Browns wideout Jarvis Landry to become one of the most dynamic receiver duos in college football history. Beckham picked up the Paul Hornung award at the end of his junior college season, an award that is given to the most versatile player in college. Beckham would finish his junior year with 57 receptions, 1,117 yards and 8 touchdowns as well as leading the SEC with 32 kickoff returns, generating 845 yards. Beckham would forgo his senior college year and enter the 2014 NFL draft.

At pick 12 the New York Giants select Odell Beckham JR wide receiver LSU. Beckham was the third receiver to be selected in the 2014 draft with only Sammy Watkins (Bills) and Mike Evans (Tampa) going before him. Beckham would not make his Giants debut until week 5 against the Falcons due to injury, but he made up for lost time with 44 yards and a touchdown as the Giants beat the Falcons. In fact despite missing 4 weeks Beckham would become the first rookie receiver to record more than 75 receptions for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

The Catch and National attention! Beckham would get the world’s attention on November 23rd 2014 with a one handed catch resulting in a touchdown against the Giants divisional rival Dallas Cowboys. Even non NFL fans have seen or heard of the catch. It’s at this moment tho that I believe Beckham got his diva tag from. What would follow is a circus created by the media, Beckham and the Giants. The Giants themselves would have Beckham parade around in the endzone pre game, catching footballs one handed. Remember Beckham was still in his rookie campaign at this point and the circus created by the Giants can’t have helped Beckham. Oh and by the way, I think the one handed catch vs Washington was better.

The Net and injuries. Injuries have always been a part of Beckham’s NFL career, in fact he has only had one injury free season in his whole NFL career and that was in 2016, when the Giants would lose to the Packers in the playoffs resulting in OBJ punching a hole in the locker room wall. More of Beckham’s anger issues would surface on September 25th against the Washington football team with Beckham taking it out on a kicking net after Eli Manning had just thrown a red zone interception. I’d ask the Beckham haters here tho when was the last time Tiger Woods, Jordan or Schumacher took a defeat well?

Cleveland Browns. In March 2019 the Cleveland Browns acquired Odell Beckham JR from the New York Giants for multiple picks and players. Things would start ok for Beckham as he caught 7 passes for 71 yards in an opening day defeat to the Titans. In fact Beckham’s first year in Cleveland would be his best having 1,035 yards and just 4 touchdowns a far cry from his rookie campaign. The 2020 season in Cleveland was marred by injury, as has much of 2021, a common trait for Beckham at this stage of his NFL career. On the trade deadline this year rumblings came out that Beckham had asked to be traded with the likes of LeBron James tweeting Free OBJ! And on the 5th of November, 2 days after the trade deadline the Browns gave OBJ his wish and released him.

So what’s next for a fallen great and is he really the diva that he is made out to be? For me personally I still believe OBJ can be great at football, put in the right situation. For sure the injuries have taken their toll but given the right place and situation I believe he can shine once again and be a fantasy asset. Every team in the NFL is going to want OBJ come Monday when he clears waivers but where really is the best fit for him? One thing for sure is that  team is going to have to deal with some of his diva antics but if they can get past all that they have a dangerous receiving weapon on their hand who doesn’t like to lose. That for me is what it all boils down to with OBJ. He doesn’t like to lose and that’s a guy I want in my team’s locker room! 

A misunderstood great.

Thanks for reading