Odell Beckham Jr. is back with the New York Giants after seven years. The 33-year-old wide receiver has been vying for a return, and he’s finally got it. It’s unclear what the future holds for OBJ in 2026, but Giants fans are hyped, and this feels like a good time for a trip down memory lane.
Beckham was not only a dominant receiver, but he had some QB tricks up his sleeve. In Week 5 of the 2018 season, Eli Manning dropped back to pass and quickly pitched the ball to OBJ on a trick play.
Beckham’s first touchdown of the season didn’t come from a catch. It came when he caught the pitch and lofted the ball up to Saquon Barkley. The then-rookie running back took it to the house on a 57-yard play to chip away at a 17-3 deficit.
The crowd at MetLife Stadium erupted as Beckham sprinted down the field to celebrate with Barkley. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it once or 100 times; the visual of OBJ flailing his arms and running is etched into the memories of Giants fans.
On September 24, 2017, the Giants lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 27-24. Similar to Jaxson Dart’s breakout game last season, any matchup with Philly can draw attention. Beckham did just that, but not with a particular play.
In the fourth quarter, Beckham caught the first of two touchdowns and celebrated by getting down on all fours and lifting his leg like a dog. The disrespect to Philly was controversial, and it left Giants co-owner John Mara “very unhappy”.
Beckham was flagged for the celebration and subsequently fined $12,154. His response? “I’m a dog, so I acted like a dog.”. Rebellious antics like that are exactly what drew Giants fans to the star wide receiver.
Most Giants fans remember exactly where they were for the infamous “Josh Norman game” in December of 2015. The Carolina Panthers were on top of the world during Cam Newton’s MVP season, and that confidence showed in every member of the team.
Carolina cornerback Josh Norman challenged Beckham during the game, and it resulted in several fights between the two. It felt like every time they hit the field, they were exchanging words and punches. Flag after flag was thrown, and the two could not keep their hands to themselves.
The Panthers ultimately won the game, but not after Beckham logged six catches for 76 yards and a game-tying touchdown on Norman. OBJ was suspended for one game, and Norman was fined for his actions.
Beckham had one of his greatest performances against a team he would later play for, the Baltimore Ravens. In October of 2016, he recorded a career high 222 receiving yards, along with two touchdowns in a 27-23 victory.
Beckham torched the Ravens’ defense all day and sealed the win with a 66-yard touchdown in the final two minutes. The Giants snapped a three-game losing streak and logged the franchise’s 700th win.
New York went on to win the next six games and made the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl XLVI. Beckham provided a much-needed spark in a season where he logged 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns.
It’s indisputable that Beckham’s greatest career moment is arguably the greatest catch in NFL history. In November of 2014, while still a rookie, he took the entire league by storm in a single play.
We’re talking about a primetime November game against the Dallas Cowboys. Eli Manning dropped back to the Giants’ 48-yard line and fired the ball to the end zone. Beckham drew a pass interference from Brandon Carr and flew backwards to catch the ball with one hand.
Cris Collinsworth said it best. “That may be the greatest catch I’ve ever seen!”
Beckham not only caught the ball but also managed to stay in bounds and score the touchdown. Kids everywhere were suddenly practicing one-handed catches and dying their hair blonde after this moment.
To this day, nearly 12 years later, any amazing catch in the NFL is compared to this moment. It solidified Beckham as the future of the New York Giants.
It’s unrealistic to expect Beckham to light up the league in 2026. His return is to close out his career where it started, and to pass the torch to the next generation of Giants.
The most notable name being Malik Nabers. The fellow LSU alum has been compared to Beckham since he was drafted. Now, he gets to work with the New York legend up close and personal. Dust off those jerseys, Giants fans. OBJ is back in the Big Apple.
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