Odell Beckhmam Jr. (OBJ) is a current NFL wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Odell later went on to attend Isidore Newman School and was regarded as a four-star recruit and ranked as the 6th best wide receiver in the nation. With his high school success in Football, Odell continued his athletic career at Louisiana State University. During his Junior season in 2013, OBJ recorded an impressive stat line of 57 receptions for 1,117 yards and eight touchdowns while showcasing his versatility by leading the SEC in kickoff returns, amassing 32 returns for 845 net yards during the season. OBJ later went on to the Paul Hornung Award, an award intended to recognize the most versatile and high-level performers in college football.
Following his 2013 season with LSU, Beckham declared for the 2014 NFL Draft and was selected with the 12th overall pick in the first round by the New York Giants. Upon joining the New York Giants, Beckham became the first rookie to achieve over 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, and ten touchdowns in a single season, setting a new record for the highest average receiving yards per game by a rookie. Additionally, in Week 12 of his debut season, OBJ made a remarkable one-handed touchdown catch while falling backward, which many regarded as one of the greatest catches in football history. His outstanding contributions earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2014.
In 2016, Beckham further established his dominance in the professional setting as he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach both 200 career receptions and 4,000 career receiving yards. That same year, he also achieved his first 100-reception season and helped lead the New York Giants to the first playoff appearance since the start of his career.
Beckham's remarkable skills earned him Pro Bowl selections in each of his first three seasons, and he was named a second-team All-Pro twice. After only spending a short time with the Cleveland Browns, Beckham joined the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 season. Despite joining midway through the season, he made an immediate impact by being a contributor to the team in both the playoffs and their Super Bowl LVI victory. Unfortunately, Beckham had to sit out the entire 2022 season to recover from an ACL injury sustained during the Super Bowl. However, he is making a triumphant return to the NFL by signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
Beckham’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond football as he has shown lots of interest in philanthropy. Odell Beckham Jr. has actively supported various causes, including cancer research, hunger relief, disaster recovery, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His philanthropic endeavors include donating $500,000 to repair efforts after the Louisiana flooding, raising awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through special cleats, spending time with a young cancer patient, and donating $100,000 to aid Hurricane Harvey victims.
In addition to philanthropic efforts off the football field, Odell Beckham Jr. continuously expresses interest in investment and entrepreneurship. In the past, he has made investments in various startups, particularly in the esports and fintech sectors. Notably, in March 2021, Beckham made one of the biggest decisions of his life with his major investment in the men’s jewelry company, Jaxxon.
Gaining business experience through his investments, Beckham has reshaped his short-term thinking into long-term thinking. As Odell continues to make business decisions and investments, he approaches each opportunity with a new mindset of focusing on the long haul, backed with both trust and risk. Just as the greatest financial investments pay nothing upfront, Odell believes that the greatest relationships function in the same manner. They need an investment of time and trust to strengthen and solidify for the uncertain future that the long haul brings.
