Odell Beckham Jr. Makes Giants 53-Man Roster After Hitting 20 MPH in Camp

Odell Beckham Jr. returns to the New York Giants after an eight-year absence, securing a roster spot by reaching speeds over 20 mph during summer practices.

Odell Beckham Jr. has officially secured a spot on the New York Giants' 53-man roster at age 33, marking his return to the franchise eight years after being traded to the Cleveland Browns following the 2018 season. During training camp at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, the veteran wide receiver demonstrated physical recovery by consistently hitting speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour, with a personal goal to reach 21 mph. Beckham participated in every summer practice session after spending the entire 2025 season out of the league. His return follows a career history that includes two ACL tears, a broken leg, and appearing in only 23 games over the previous four seasons.

The three-time Pro Bowler, who began his career with three consecutive seasons of at least 90 receptions and 1,300 yards, is currently positioned as the fourth or fifth receiver on the New York depth chart. Despite this standing, he remains a central figure for a team that has recorded only one winning season in the seven years since his departure. During a late training camp session, Beckham caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Jameis Winston, an event he celebrated with a visible scream. His presence at the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game in May drew hundreds of fans who paid for signatures and photographs, leading to his official signing the following day.

Training Camp Performance and Physical Metrics

Beckham’s path to the roster involved rigorous offseason training in Arizona to overcome his history of injuries. The wide receiver did not play in 2022 or 2025, yet he managed to stay healthy throughout the entire summer schedule. While Jaxson Dart and the quarterbacks drew significant cheers from the 1,500 fans in attendance at West Virginia, Beckham’s arrival on the field for warmups generated the loudest ovations of the camp. Running back Cam Skattebo also participated in the early sessions, riling up the crowd with his trademark 'Wooooooo!' shout.

Teammates have noted Beckham's continued athleticism. Veteran receiver Darius Slayton, who joined the team a month after Beckham was traded by former general manager Dave Gettleman, observed that the veteran "still has juice" and maintains a "wow factor" similar to NBA star Steph Curry. Beckham has intentionally limited his media interactions and celebrations this summer, focusing on a low-profile approach to secure his position under the observation of reporters who frequently questioned if he would make the final cut.

Impact on New York Giants Teammates

For many younger players, Beckham’s return is a meeting with a childhood idol. Rookie Malik Nabers, who was 11 years old during Beckham's breakout season, credited the veteran for his own interest in football and his decision to follow Beckham’s path from LSU to the Giants. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. recalled his middle school coach using Beckham’s highlights as teaching tools, specifically citing a spin move executed against Washington.

Beckham’s influence extends to the team's ownership. Owner John Mara noted that his grandchildren, who cried when the receiver was traded years ago, were vocal in asking if he would make the team this year. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that the Mara family is excited about the reunion, noting the deep history between the player and the organization. Beckham currently maintains a social media following of 16.5 million on Instagram, highlighting his continued status as a high-profile figure despite his veteran role.

Preparing for the Season Opener

The Giants are scheduled to open their season next Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, the same opponent against whom Beckham recorded his famous one-handed rookie catch. Fan Joe Ruback, known as License Plate Guy, helped facilitate Beckham's initial re-engagement with the team during the spring. Season-ticket holder Olivia Schmidt, 30, described the receiver as having a "New York attitude" and a presence that the franchise has lacked since 2018. As the team transitions from joint practices in Miami—where fans chanted "OBJ! OBJ! OBJ!"—to the regular season, Beckham remains focused on producing despite the pressure of his reputation.