New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has opened up about a rare preference that has many fans concerned. The high-profile wide receiver disclosed his weird aversion to water, despite his intense dehydration during football games.
Rather than take water, Beckham prefers taking IV hydration during games to stay fit. Here’s how he explains the surprising situation.
Odell Beckham Jr. Explains Preference for IV Hydration Over Water
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2014: Odell Beckham Jr., No. 12 overall © Danielle Parhizkaran / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Beckham’s distaste for water first made headlines in 2018 after cameras spotted him leaving the field just before halftime of the New York Giants’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles. At the time, New York trailed 24-6. During post-game interviews, head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters that Beckham’s unexpected exit was due to dehydration, not frustration with the team’s poor play, as many suspected.
Explaining on Beckham’s behalf, Shurmur said, like some players, Beckham’s body dehydrated at an unusually high rate. As a result, the team has to find ways to ensure Beckham stays hydrated.
In his own words, Beckham observed that he’s “always cramped” while feeling like he’s “working harder than I ever have.”
The polarizing playmaker also described the “slushy” feeling if water in his mouth as a turn-off on his taste buds. Rather, he’d prefer staying hydrated via an IV hydration system.
🚨🚨INSANE🚨🚨#NFL iconic WR Odell Beckham Jr. does not like the taste of WATER.
OBJ says he dislikes the “slushy” feeling it creates in his stomach. He says he’d still cramp even when drinking water, too.
Odell began drinking IVs during games for better hydration and taste. pic.twitter.com/rcZrDdb3yN
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) March 6, 2026
Describing Beckham’s rare situation to bewildered fans, a social media post captions:
“”🚨🚨INSANE🚨🚨
#NFL iconic WR Odell Beckham Jr. does not like the taste of WATER.
OBJ says he dislikes the “slushy” feeling it creates in his stomach. He says he’d still cramp even when drinking water, too.
Odell began drinking IVs during games for better hydration and taste.”
The former Miami Dolphins star recently made headlines after fans’ criticisms over his recent remarks explaining that living off a $100 million, five-year contract is more complicated and less abundant than it appears. According to Beckham Jr. NFL players have to cope with the accompanying pressures, taxation responsibilities, and employee payroll that come with a high paycheck.
His subsequent explanations about the reality of celebrity lifestyles vis-a-vis their luxury pay may have won some fans over. Yet, he might have triggered a few more fans and discussions again with his recent IV hydration admission.