When reports linked Odell Beckham Jr. with a return to the New York Giants, the idea felt more like wishful thinking. After all, the former franchise star had not appeared in a single NFL game during the 2025 season.
That alone led many to believe a reunion was a long shot. But that narrative changed when Beckham Jr. signed with the Giants on June 4 and joined training camp. Now, as he continues his quest to make it back to the gridiron, the veteran wide receiver has responded to those questioning whether his body can still handle pro football.
Odell Beckham Jr. Shares Update On His NFL Future With LeBron James Analogy
Per ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan, Beckham Jr. compared his situation to NBA legend LeBron James and the way he has adapted over time.
“Everybody likes to talk about, ‘Is he going to be this, that?’ And I’m like, ‘LeBron James used to take off before the free throw line, and now if he’s taking off with his foot right in front of it, he’s got a different game, but he’s still playing at a high level,’” he said, according to Raanan.
“I believe that I can play at a high level,” OBJ declared.
This offseason, James made another career-defining decision of his own. The four-time NBA champion agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option for the second season to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Calling it the “last decision” of his career, the 41-year-old chose Philadelphia over several contenders, including the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, because he believes it gives him one last shot at another championship.
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Likewise, Beckham Jr. appears determined to write one more meaningful chapter with the Giants.
At 33, he is no longer the player who dominated defenses earlier in his career. He has not earned a Pro Bowl selection since 2016 or reached 1,000 receiving yards since 2019.
But the Giants are also not expecting him to carry the passing game. Malik Nabers will take on that role, while Beckham Jr. will provide experience, valuable depth, and leadership.
Beckham Jr. has made a positive impression at training camp so far. According to Ryan Dunleavy and Brandon London of The New York Post, the veteran wide receiver worked with the first-team offense more on Tuesday than at any previous practice.
Beckham Jr. has consistently found ways to get open against the defense. London also reported that OBJ caught a touchdown during practice.
While discussing his performance, London said, “the mitts haven’t left,” before Dunleavy added, “Neither has the separation, the footwork. Look, I don’t know how it’s going to hold up on Saturday, the sixth straight day of practice. Right now, he’s still getting open.”
Right now, it seems the Giants want to have a closer look at Beckham Jr. alongside the starting offense. Giving him extra reps with Jaxson Dart could help the coaching staff evaluate whether he creates more opportunities than he did while catching passes from Jameis Winston with the second-team unit.
The early reviews have been encouraging, but the Giants still need to determine where he fits once the regular season arrives. For now, the former Pro Bowler is simply trying to earn his place on the roster.
