Odell Beckham Jr. Hits 20.54 MPH in Giants' 23-6 Preseason Win Over Jets

Odell Beckham Jr. caught three passes for 53 yards as the New York Giants defeated the host Jets 23-6 on Friday night.

The New York Giants concluded their preseason schedule with a 23-6 victory over the host Jets on Friday night. During the contest, 33-year-old wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. recorded three receptions for 53 yards. Following the win, Giants head coach John Harbaugh stated that the veteran has done enough to earn a spot on an NFL roster. Beckham, a 2014 first-round pick, signed with the team this spring after being out of the league last season and recording only nine catches with the Miami Dolphins in 2024.

During the second quarter, Beckham nearly secured a 73-yard touchdown when he got behind the defense. However, backup quarterback Jameis Winston did not hit him in stride, and the ball jarred loose following an all-out dive by the receiver. Despite the incompletion, Beckham reached a top speed of 20.54 miles per hour on the play. This mark stood as the second-fastest speed recorded by any player on a non-special teams play during the game. The receiver noted he has hit similar speeds throughout the summer and aims to reach 21 miles per hour in the near future.

Harbaugh Evaluates Beckham’s Summer Performance

Coach Harbaugh noted that Beckham has improved consistently as training camp progressed. Earlier in the week, the coach remarked that the receiver had his best week of practice just before the preseason finale. The Giants signed Beckham under the specific premise that he had to earn his place on the depth chart. Harbaugh and the front office required proof that the veteran was healthy and capable of competing at a professional level after he missed the entirety of the previous season.

Beckham did not miss a single practice session throughout the summer. The coaching staff observed his ability to consistently create separation from defenders. While Harbaugh declined to name every player guaranteed a spot before the official deadline, he indicated a strong leaning toward keeping the former Pro Bowl selection. The decision comes as the Giants face the NFL deadline for final roster cuts, which is set for Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

A Full Circle Return to New York

For Beckham, making the final 53-man roster would represent a return to the franchise where his career began 12 years ago. He described the process as a roller-coaster ride and expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete again. The veteran admitted to facing mental battles and considering whether to move forward with life or continue his football career after a difficult two-year stretch. He credited his perseverance for his current position, stating he feels he has more plays to make on the field.

Personal motivation played a significant role in Beckham's comeback attempt. During the game, his 4-year-old son was in attendance. Beckham shared an anecdote where his son told a friend that people always want pictures with his father because he "must be the best." The receiver expressed a desire to lead by example and be a good man for his child. He stated that he has given everything he has to this preseason effort and now views the final roster decision as being out of his hands.

Giants Finalize Roster Decisions

The spring signing followed a lengthy flirtation between the player and the organization, which included two separate workouts to assess his physical condition. Beckham’s performance against the Jets served as the final data point for a summer spent proving his health. The Giants' victory on Friday night marked the end of the training camp period, shifting the focus entirely to the upcoming personnel deadline. Harbaugh emphasized that Beckham deserves credit for the work he put in to revitalize his career during this stint in New York.