Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr.'s Biography

Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr., publicly renowned as OBJ, is an American professional football wide receiver who was born on November 5, 1992, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His athletic journey began at LSU, where he had a remarkable college football career that culminated in first-team All-American honors in 2013. The New York Giants selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, a testament to his exceptionally promising talent.

Beckham started displaying his skills on a national level early in his career, launching into the 2012 BCS National Championship Game in his first year at LSU. He later earned the prestigious Paul Hornung Award following his junior season in 2013, solidifying his athletic prowess.

When OBJ began his professional career with the New York Giants, he easily set numerous NFL rookie receiving records, despite an injury that caused him to miss the first four games of the season. His rookie season was marked by his exceptional performance, as he became the first player to record more than 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, and ten touchdowns. Beckham also managed to break the rookie record for the most average receiving yards per game.

OBJ’s skills came into the national spotlight during Week 12 of his first season when he scored a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch while tumbling backward in a Sunday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys. This incredible feat was acclaimed by many as the greatest catch ever made, solidifying Beckham’s position as a rising star in the NFL. Recognizing his exceptional performance, the league awarded Beckham the 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

In 2016, OBJ achieved a record-breaking feat as the fastest player in NFL history to reach both 200 career receptions and 4,000 career receiving yards. In the same year, he recorded his first 100-reception season and reached the NFL playoffs for the first time in his career, a significant milestone on his journey. His exceptional performance played a pivotal role in leading the Giants to an impressive 11–5 season record.

Beckham’s remarkable accomplishments also include the prestigious honor of being named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, as well as being named a second-team All-Pro twice. He later moved to play for the Cleveland Browns before being signed by the Los Angeles Rams midway through the 2021 season. OBJ played a crucial role in leading the Rams to win Super Bowl LVI.

Unfortunately, OBJ suffered an ACL injury in the Super Bowl, forcing him to spend the 2022 season in recovery and out of football. Despite this setback, Beckham made a strong comeback by signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

OBJ’s roots trace back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His childhood comprised significant athletic accomplishments, and he showcased talents in various sports during his tenure at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his high school years, Beckham demonstrated his skills in football, basketball, and track events, even surpassing a school record by registering 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Apart from football, Beckham also possessed a natural talent for track & field events and was a standout athlete in sprinting and jumping, following in his mother’s footsteps. Beckham also dedicated a portion of his time to playing soccer during his growing years and considered English player David Beckham as his childhood idol.

Beckham’s impressive athleticism and potential didn’t go unnoticed. He was regarded as a four-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, and was rated as the No. 6 wide receiver and as the No. 40 player in the nation. Beckham chose Louisiana State University (LSU) over offers from multiple universities including Ole Miss, Nebraska, Tulane, and Tulsa.

As a true freshman at LSU in 2011, Beckham got the chance to start nine of 14 games. His first season was remarkable, and he finished second on the team with 41 receptions for 475 yards and tied for third with two receiving touchdowns. The young athlete continued to enhance his skills and reputation during his sophomore and junior years. He ended his 2013 season with 57 receptions for 1,117 yards and eight touchdowns.

Choosing to focus on his professional career and seize the opportunity at hand, Beckham decided to forgo his senior season and entered the 2014 NFL draft. Here, the New York Giants picked him in the first round, cementing his position in the professional leagues. Beckham’s subsequent years in the NFL have been marked by remarkable talent, dedication, and feats that have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the sport’s top athletes. Despite the temporary setback caused by an injury, OBJ has shown resilience and commitment to his sport, serving as a true testament to his immense passion for football.