Odell Beckham Jr.

On November 23, 2014, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made a one-handed catch against the Dallas Cowboys in a Sunday Night Football game. The catch was made while Beckham was falling backwards and being fouled by the Cowboys' cornerback. The play was praised by announcers and drew comparisons to some of the NFL's best catches. It quickly became one of the most iconic moments in recent football history, elevating Beckham's status as one of the league's most exciting players.

On December 11, 2014, Odell Beckham Jr. became the first NFL rookie to catch for more than 90 yards in six consecutive games. This impressive feat came during a game against the Washington Redskins. Beckham finished his rookie season with 91 receptions, 1,305 yards, and 12 touchdowns, earning him the 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His performance set several rookie records, showcasing his exceptional talent and solidifying his reputation as an elite wide receiver.

In a highly publicized incident on December 20, 2015, Odell Beckham Jr. was involved in a series of physical altercations with Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman during an intense game. Beckham was penalized multiple times for personal fouls and the league subsequently suspended him for one game, the season finale. The decision was reflective of the NFL's strong stance against in-game violence and unsportsmanlike conduct. The suspension and its surrounding controversy were major talking points in sports media.

On August 21, 2017, during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, Odell Beckham Jr. suffered an ankle injury after being tackled by Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun. The injury was initially thought to be minor, but concerns grew as Beckham missed the remainder of the preseason. The Giants' medical team monitored his condition closely, and Beckham's status became a focal point of the team's season preparations as they feared long-term ramifications for one of their key offensive players.

During a game on October 8, 2017, against the Los Angeles Chargers, Odell Beckham Jr. broke his left ankle, causing him to be carted off the field. The injury was severe enough to end his 2017 season prematurely, requiring surgery and a significant rehabilitation period. Beckham's absence was a substantial blow to the New York Giants' offense, eliminating their top receiving threat and prompting questions about his recovery timeline and future impact in the NFL.

On August 27, 2018, Odell Beckham Jr. signed a five-year contract extension with the New York Giants worth $95 million, including approximately $65 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history at the time. The contract underscored Beckham's value and impact on the field while reflecting the Giants' commitment to retaining their star player. The deal was widely covered in the media, highlighting Beckham's significant contribution to the franchise and the expectations surrounding his future performance.

On March 13, 2019, Odell Beckham Jr. was traded from the New York Giants to the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster deal. The trade included the Browns sending first and third-round draft picks, along with safety Jabrill Peppers, to the Giants. Beckham's move to the Browns was seen as a significant shift in NFL power dynamics, uniting him with quarterback Baker Mayfield and friend Jarvis Landry. The trade marked the end of Beckham's tenure with the Giants and signaled a new chapter in his career.

On December 12, 2019, Odell Beckham Jr. addressed media reports suggesting he planned to leave the Cleveland Browns. Beckham publicly denied the rumors, affirming his commitment to the team. This came amid a challenging season for the Browns, who struggled to meet preseason expectations. Beckham's denial was crucial in quelling speculation about his future and stabilizing the team dynamics during a turbulent period.

On October 25, 2020, Odell Beckham Jr. tore his ACL during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury occurred while Beckham was attempting to make a tackle following an interception thrown by Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. This severe injury required season-ending surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, marking another setback in Beckham’s career. The Browns had to adjust their strategy in his absence as they continued their push to make the playoffs.

On February 7, 2021, Odell Beckham Jr., who had been acquired by the Los Angeles Rams during the season, became a Super Bowl champion after the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Beckham played a key role in the Rams’ playoff run, catching a touchdown in the Super Bowl before suffering a knee injury in the second quarter. Despite not being able to complete the game, Beckham’s contributions were praised as essential to the team’s success and the culmination of a tumultuous season for him.