Odell Beckham Jr.

The one-handed wonder who turned Sunday Night Football into history.

Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr., commonly known as OBJ, is an American professional football wide receiver who began his NFL journey with the New York Giants. Born November 5, 1992, he was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft after a standout college career at LSU. Despite missing the first four games of his rookie season due to injury, Beckham broke numerous records, becoming the first player to record over 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, and ten touchdowns as a rookie.

Quick Facts

Current team: New York Giants
Position: Wide receiver
Born: 5 November 1992
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
High school: Isidore Newman (New Orleans, Louisiana)
College: LSU (2011–2013)
Draft year: 2014
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

Beckham's college years at LSU were defined by versatility and record-breaking performances. As a junior in 2013, he won the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in major college football after recording 57 receptions for 1,117 yards and eight touchdowns. He also returned a failed field goal attempt for a then-record 109-yard touchdown against UAB. Entering the NFL with the Giants at age 21, he immediately faced scrutiny after missing training camp and his first four games with a hamstring injury.

However, once on the field, he redefined what was possible for a rookie. In Week 12 of the 2014 season against the Dallas Cowboys, Beckham made a one-handed touchdown catch while falling backwards during a Sunday Night Football game. This moment, hailed by pundits like Cris Collinsworth and LeBron James as the greatest catch ever made, brought him instant national attention and secured his place in NFL lore.

Reader's Guide

His rookie year (2014) established him as an elite talent despite limited availability, setting a new standard for receiving yards per game. The 2016 season marked his peak consistency with the Giants, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. The acquisition by the Los Angeles Rams in late 2021 provided a championship climax, though it was marred by a debilitating injury that halted his momentum for a year. He has also played for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, and returned to the Giants in 2026 after missing the 2025 season. When evaluating his stats, focus on his ability to break records early, such as being the first rookie with 75+ catches, 1,100 yards, and 10 touchdowns, while noting how his longevity was tested by injury before finding stability again.

Did You Know?

In college at LSU, he returned a failed field goal attempt for a 109-yard touchdown against UAB in 2013, setting an NCAA record later tied by Chris Davis.
During his freshman year at LSU, Beckham started the BCS National Championship Game and finished with five receptions for 38 yards in a loss to Alabama.