Odell Beckham's storybook return to New York survived beyond preseason when he made the Giants' 53-man roster on Sunday.
That outcome was far from guaranteed for the 33-year-old, who spent all of 2025 out of football. But after finding some success, and one frustrating drop, in his first action with the Giants since 2018, Beckham realized he might have a legitimate chance to make the team.
When he learned he would not be cleaning out his locker at the Giants' facility, Beckham became emotional.
"Just my family, being here, seeing my son at the game. … I had those tears when I got back to the hotel after figuring out I'm going to be here," Beckham said Monday. "And I have an opportunity to re-write some of the last bit of the chapter. Don't know last year, whatever it is, I just know I'm going to give my all. But definitely had that moment where it was like you could let out some of the pain that I went through. It was a very healing, very emotional. Something I was very happy about."
Beckham's football journey has been unique for several reasons. He was a high draft pick who arrived with great expectations, but one one-handed catch turned him into an international superstar overnight. With the fame came relentless attention, and with that came a trade to the Browns, his first ACL injury, a move further west to a Super Bowl winner in the Rams, another ACL injury, and a few years spent largely out of the spotlight.
Some thought football was finished with Beckham. The Giants decided otherwise, giving Beckham a chance to close his career in the same place it began.
Beckham had to earn it, of course, joining the Giants as part of a collection of veteran receivers assembled to compete for limited roster spots. In the end, Beckham proved he still had what was needed to justify a place on an NFL team.
"It was a different feeling," he said of learning he had made the 53-man roster. "Something that I was prepared for but you never know how it feels until you're dealing with it. So, just truly proud of myself.
"Whatever the outcome was, I came and I gave my best effort, and I earned the right to be here. This wasn't given to me. I was given the opportunity, but I wasn't given making it here where I'm at. I'm truly happy about it, but like I said, not satisfied until I find ways to continue to get better and bring my best."
Now, Beckham must seize the opportunity he has earned, and he might add a little spice to it by switching back to the same No. 13 he made famous in New York a decade ago.
"I think we all know what that means to me," Beckham said of wearing No. 13. "It definitely will be some conversations. I'll just say we'll see what happens. But like I said, it would be an honor and privilege to put that back on."
Whether it is No. 3 or 13, Beckham is just happy to be healthy and back on an NFL roster. We will see how far he can take it in the Big Apple.
Source: www.nfl.com — Read the original article
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