Ravens Swan Song? OBJ ‘Thinking This is My Last Year’
Could Baltimore Ravens receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. be ‘one and done’ in Charm City? As veterans report to Ravens training camp in advance of their first official camp practice on Wednesday, the three-time Pro Bowler is seemingly hinting that 2023 may be the final year of his illustrious career.
“I’m thinking like this is my last year,” Beckham told The Athletic. “I’m going to give it my all this year. And then if something happens after that, we can go from there.”
While Beckham’s apparent revelation may cause some uneasiness regarding his future throughout Ravens Flock, it is important to consider the context under which he made his statement. After all, the 30-year-old missed the entirety of 2022 while recovering from an ACL injury suffered during his Los Angeles Rams victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Though many believed that the prolific receiver had torn the ligament in the early stages of the game, Beckham further revealed that he had been playing with “no ACL” holding his knee together for the majority of his 2021 campaign. The Super Bowl injury was simply the last straw.
Beckham spent the offseason recovering from his ACL injury, amid significant speculation about whether he would re-sign with Los Angeles or sign with another team. Despite still being unsigned by a team, Beckham participated in the Rams' championship banner ceremony before their opening night game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium in early September. Ultimately, Beckham did not sign with a team during the 2022 NFL season.
Apparently, one of the reasons for his lengthy timeframe in making a decision was his consideration of retirement.
“I went through a lot the last couple of years, and I thought it was over,” he said about rehabbing his knee last year. “I didn’t want to get back up on the horse and do the same song and dance all over again.”
Ultimately, Beckham inked a one-year, $15 million contract with Baltimore in the offseason. His addition to an offense that already boasts such scoring threats as quarterback Lamar Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, running back J.K. Dobbins and fellow receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers has laid the foundation for a potentially “scary” Ravens offense in 2023.
To his credit, when Beckham is dialed in, there are few talents in the league at his position that can match his athleticism and big-play ability. Throughout his nine-year NFL career, Beckham has compiled 7367 yards on 531 catches, 56 of which have gone for touchdowns. His late-season arrival in Los Angeles last season helped him regain his superstar-level form while on the big stage. In the NFC Championship, Beckham caught nine passes for 113 yards in the Rams’ 20-17 comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to sustaining his injury early in the first half, he had two receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown in L.A.’s win over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
Having chosen to play, rather than ride off into the proverbial sunset, Beckham realizes that both his desire and skillset need to be at their highest level to bring Baltimore the type of success it covets this season. In doing so, he is setting an example for others, including — and most importantly — his family.
“It wasn’t like I felt I had to prove something to anybody else,” he says. “I know who I am. I know what I’m capable of. I’m secure with myself and my life. But it’s more about my people, for my son to be inspired. If he sees his dad work hard, maybe he will want to work hard at something and give it a go at whatever.”
Perhaps Beckham will once again consider retirement in the offseason? Or, his experience in Baltimore may rekindle his love for football, thus keeping him on the gridiron for a few more seasons.
Still, one thing is certain. Odell Beckham is laser-focused on making the most of his 2023 season … and what a season it could be.
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