A parody social media account falsely claimed that NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. announced his retirement, leading to a flurry of confusion among fans. On August 12, 2023, Beckham took to social media to refute the rumor, confirming that he is not stepping away from the game.
The misinformation originated from an account named @AdamSche1fer, which mimics the well-known ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. The parody tweet suggested that Beckham was concluding his career after ten seasons in the NFL. Beckham responded with a clear message on X, stating, “(expletive) ain’t over yet,” and urged his followers not to believe everything they read online. He elaborated in a follow-up post, emphasizing that he is still very much active and dedicated to his career.
In addition to refuting the retirement claim, Beckham also shared updates about his training regimen. Just a few days prior, on August 9, he posted on Instagram that he is focused on staying in shape in anticipation of any team that may call him.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s NFL Journey
Beckham began his NFL career when he was selected by the New York Giants as the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He quickly became a household name, setting rookie receiving records and making what many consider the greatest catch in NFL history against the Dallas Cowboys. Over his first three seasons, he consistently exceeded 90 receptions, tallied over 1,300 receiving yards, and scored at least 10 touchdowns each year.
His career was not without challenges, as injuries limited his play in 2017 to just four games. Nevertheless, he rebounded in 2018, appearing in twelve games before being traded to the Cleveland Browns during the offseason. The Giants received Jabrill Peppers and two top-100 draft picks in return.
After three seasons in Cleveland, Beckham joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl victory, scoring a touchdown in the championship game. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined him for the subsequent season. Beckham’s most recent appearances in the NFL came with the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins.
Brief Stint with the Dolphins
In 2024, Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, intended to enhance their offensive lineup alongside stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The collaboration did not materialize as planned, as Beckham managed only nine receptions for 55 yards in nine games before being released in December.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Beckham’s recent remarks reinforce his commitment to continue playing. His clarifications about retirement highlight the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth, especially in the fast-paced world of sports news. As he prepares for what lies ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Beckham’s journey takes him next.
