It's already been 10 years since Odell Beckham was drafted. A few months later, he enchanted the world with his crazy one-handed reception against the Cowboys.
But the end is near. And the receiver no longer hides it. For his first press briefing after signing with the Miami Dolphins, Beckham appeared more peaceful and serene.
And above all aware of the finiteness of his career.
“I’m still here with something to prove. It's about finishing strong. To end my career on my own terms, whether it's one year, two years or three years. If it’s my last year, I want to finish on a good note,” he explained.
Odell Beckham, luxury joker and peaceful joker
To complete his career, Odell Beckham knows that he cannot be the central offensive player that he was with the Giants. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are the two priority receivers in Miami, without the slightest doubt. They both have more than 1,000 yards in 2023.
But this is not a problem for the newcomer.
“At this point in my career, it’s been a while since I’ve been No. 1,” Beckham recalled. “ […] You just have to understand your role, how to do it best and make the most of opportunities. Don't look for more or less, just be in the moment and I think we'll find a way to succeed. »
This joker role would even be a liberation for Beckham.
” It's incredible. It gives you a great sense of calm. I feel like I carried a lot of anger and resentment. Now I just feel at peace. I am able to train, play the game you love. You forget the business side and the things that hold you back. Part of me thinks this is an opportunity to just think about American football. »
American football was discussed with Mike McDaniel before his signing.
“We sat around for hours just talking about American football. It made me happy to think about it. He pulled up some videos of me to compare to what they're doing and see how it might fit together. I saw an opportunity, and time will tell if it was the right decision. »
Finish the book well
Last season, finally recovered from his injuries, notably his knee, Beckham caught 35 passes for 565 yards and 3 touchdowns. Not monstrous, but he was able to be decisive, with 27 first downs.
Although he already won a ring with the Rams, so it's time to end on a high note. Particularly to forget a slightly more difficult mid-career, between injuries and team changes.
“I will continue, I am a competitor. It's a bit like forgetting the environment. When we read a book, the beginning captures our attention, we read the body of the book, and then we want to know how it ends. I'm a little here: let's finish the story well. »