Odell Beckham Jr. Throws Strange Shade at Vikings
Remember Justin Jefferson’s 4th Down reception against the Buffalo Bills a few years ago? Odell Beckham Jr., in hindsight, isn’t overly impressed with the all-time highlight.
Suspended NFLer Odell Beckham Jr. took a strange stance — out of nowhere — last week regarding a Vikings player and play usually immune to criticism.
Beckham Jr. took the shot at Jefferson’s catch last week, leaving most listeners thinking, “What?”
Justin Jefferson’s 2022 Catch Didn’t Really Impress Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham Jr. decided to scrutinize a nearly universally praised play from Justin Jefferson.
Odell Beckham Jr. Questions Wow Factor of Justin Jefferson’s 2022 Reception at BUF
Asked to compare Jefferson’s grab against the Bills in 2022 and Beckham Jr.’s legendary reception in 2014, Beckham Jr. told the Pivot Podcast, “Not even close. I love him up and down, it’s not even close. The DB caught it. He had his hand there and grabbed it. Good sh!t though. He knows that.”
For those new to the Vikings, this was the grab in 2022:
But Why?
Beckham Jr.’s weird shade might be the first example — like ever — of a person downplaying the Jefferson reception. Jefferson won Offensive Player of the Year that season, and the reception against the Bills might’ve been the cake-topper for voters.
There’s also the fact that the defender “catching the ball for him,” per Beckham Jr.’s musings, doesn’t make the catch less amazing. In fact, one might argue that Jefferson’s ability to rip the ball out of the air — away from an eager defensive back — supersedes what Beckham Jr. did with his famous catch.
His comment implies that Jefferson would not have made the catch without Buffalo’s faux help. Does anyone really believe that?
LSU Alumni Should Band Together
What’s more, Beckham Jr. and Jefferson are allegedly pals. They attended the same college and have always maintained a mutual admiration society.
If anything, Beckham Jr. should pump up Jefferson for the catch in Buffalo — not question the legitimacy of the catch because a defender tried to make a play on the ball.
Wide receivers, in general, have a brotherhood, and that bond is amplified with the LSU connection. The only thing that could explain Beckham Jr.’s shade is a hint of jealousy or the fear of getting outshone.
Beckham Jr. Suspended at the Moment
Not for nothing, Beckham Jr. has time to hop on people’s podcasts due to a suspension.
ESPN announced last week: “Odell Beckham Jr. has accepted a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, delaying the star wide receiver’s comeback attempt. Beckham announced his pending suspension during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, which published the interview Tuesday.”
“The receiver, who is a free agent, said he failed a PED test last season while he was a member of the Miami Dolphins. Beckham insisted that he did not knowingly take any banned substances.”
Beckham Jr. can return to the NFL in Week 12 — if a team wants him.
More on the Suspension
The Athletic‘s Tobias Bass noted on Beckham Jr.’s suspension last week, “The suspension, which Beckham must serve to proceed with his comeback attempt, stems from a failed test during his time with the Miami Dolphins last season. It will take effect immediately, sidelining him until at least Week 12.”
“Beckham explained that the positive test was connected to a medical issue involving his testosterone levels, insisting he has never knowingly used performance-enhancing substances. The suspension further clouds Beckham’s efforts to continue his NFL career, as the 32-year-old remains a free agent. He has publicly denied rumors of retirement, emphasizing his intent to return to the league in 2025 and reportedly maintaining an active training regimen.”
Beckham Jr. will turn 33 next month.
“During the interview, he said he is interested in joining the Pittsburgh Steelers or Kansas City Chiefs, or returning to the New York Giants or Los Angeles Rams. Beckham played eight regular-season games for the Rams in 2021, catching 27 passes for 305 yards,” Bass added.
“He caught a touchdown pass in the Rams’ win over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. During his brief stint with Miami last season, Beckham appeared in nine games, catching nine passes for 55 yards before being released last December.”
Beckham Jr. has also been casually linked to the Vikings as a free-agent option over the last few years, with his first former offensive coordinator in Los Angeles, Kevin O’Connell, in charge of the purple team.
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