Sportsnaut
Odell Beckham Jr. officially brought his NFL career to a close on Tuesday after 10 seasons in the league. The gifted receiver leaves behind a memorable legacy, but also the greatest “What if” story in New York Giants history.
Today, Beckham Jr. officially revealed that he has put in his paperwork to retire from the NFL at just 32 years old. During his time in the league, the electrifying receiver played for the Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens, and finally the Dolphins. Earning invites to the Pro Bowl on three occasions and winning Rookie of the Year in 2014.
After 10 seasons in the NFL, Odell Beckham Jr. has decided to retire. Beckham Jr. played for the Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens, and Dolphins. He announced Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/MHOarCpDoR
— Adam Schelfer (@AdamSche1fer) August 12, 2025
He had a career that many players wish they could have had. Yet, for as good a run as he had in the league — including helping the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021 — for many fans, he seems like legendary potential that went unfulfilled. And too many Giants fans, if not for his overly emotional nature, he could have easily gone down as one of the greatest players to ever where a Big Blue uniform.
In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Giants used the 12th pick overall to select Beckham Jr. out of LSU. The buzz on the receiver was notable, but he was still the third pass catcher selected that year after the Bills took Sammy Watkins at four, and the Bucs selected Mike Evans seventh. So no one expected to be the instant superstar he would become in his rookie season.
In 2014, the 22-year-old took the NFL by storm, and that is not hyperbole. He reeled in 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 TDs. In just 12 games, he evolved into one of the best receivers in the game and became a household name when he made a one-handed catch in November of that year against the Cowboys that still may be the greatest reception in football history.
The Catch That Broke the Internet.
Odell Beckham Jr. catches a one-handed touchdown and it is arguably one of the most iconic catches in NFL history. (via @nflthrowback)pic.twitter.com/SAchXm5uCv
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 22, 2019
He followed that up with two more Pro Bowl seasons as he posted 1,450 and 1,367 yards, respectively. It put him in the discussion as the best receiver on Earth. Yet, there were always cracks in the facade. For as electric as he was on the field, he was volatile off of it. He didn’t get into trouble off the field, but his emotional nature rubbed coaches and some teammates the wrong way.
While he got the massive $90 million extension he...
