Everything Odell Beckham Jr. Said About Giants Contract, Injury Status After Return to NY

Odell Beckham Jr. discussed his return to the New York Giants following the wide receiver's first appearance at OTAs.

"I had a lot of time off to take a step away from the game was what was best for me," Beckham told reporters Wednesday. "A time in my life where you love something so much that it kind of became detrimental. It became bad to me. And just being able to take that time off and be with my son, be with family and just reprioritize what was important to me and knowing that I still love this game so much. I felt great just being back out there, being back in the building. Just on this field, looking at this stadium, it's a pretty surreal feeling."

"I came here to earn it," he added. "Just work hard every day, be the best I can for the team."

Beckham also provided details regarding his health status after undergoing knee surgery in 2024.

"I feel good now," Beckham told reporters (0:30 mark). "I'm fast, I'm moving well. It's just now about the repetition, building up the football endurance. Back to the football IQ, knowing your spacial awareness, knowing where people are at. Things that will come back but like everything else, it takes a little practice."

The 33-year-old is embracing his veteran status as well.

Beckham signed a contract with New York as a free agent on Monday after spending the first five seasons of his career on the team from 2014-18.

He earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors following his inaugural season with the Giants and went on to receive three Pro Bowl nods during his first stint with the team.

Beckham went on to play for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins after New York traded him in 2019. He won a Super Bowl title as a member of the Rams during his 2021 campaign.

Beckham went unsigned for the 2025 season after appearing in nine games with the Dolphins in 2024, hauling in nine receptions for 55 yards.

While his days as one of the NFL's top receivers are in the rearview mirror, he could carve out a depth role for the Giants as Malik Nabers continues his recovery from a torn ACL.

New York is coming off a 4-13 finish last season, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The Giants owned the NFL's No. 21 passing attack, averaging 204.4 yards per game through the air.