2014: Odell Beckham Jr., No. 12 overall© Danielle Parhizkaran / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Odell Beckham Jr. Makes Giants Roster After Fighting His Way Back to New York 1
Odell Beckham Jr. had received the message he was waiting for, and this message had come in a rather casual manner.
After leaving the practice field following a game between the New York Giants during their preseason, Beckham learned that he had been selected to the Giants opening day roster of 53 players. The receiver had taken a whole season off the NFL after reaching his 33rd year of age.
Odell Beckham Jr. Returns to NFL as Member of New York Giants
New York Giants Odell Beckham Jr.New York Giants Odell Beckham Jr.
Jun 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) participates in drills during the minicamp activities at Quest Diagnostics Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
The player’s roster spot was not even assured going into the final week of training camp. However, the Giants’ head coach, John Harbaugh, stated following the game that Beckham had done enough to be assured of a roster spot in the NFL, without guaranteeing that it would be with the Giants. That changed on Sunday.
“I am excited. I found out when I was walking off the field. Coach said congratulations and he said that I worked hard. I told him I will give him everything I got. He said “let’s go do it.”
#Giants Odell Beckham Jr. after learning he made the Giants roster
"I am excited. I found out when I was walking off the field. Coach said congratulations and he said that I worked hard. I told him I will give him everything I got. He said “let’s go do it.” pic.twitter.com/62XA5JTGmE
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) August 31, 2026
However, the player explained that he found out about his return while leaving the field. And Beckham’s answer was clear: he is ready to give the Giants all he has.
This effort is evident in his appearance during the preseason. Beckham participated in three games, catching seven of his 13 targets for 76 yards. Nevertheless, despite the absence of touchdowns in these games, Beckham’s return to the Giants is not associated with strong preseason statistics but rather with his desire to demonstrate his efficiency despite the 2025 season’s absence.
Apart from that, the Giants do not have experienced receivers due to injuries. Malik Nabers suffered from an ACL injury, whereas Calvin Austin III cannot play for the rest of the season. Thus, the receivers’ roster includes only Beckham, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, and rookie Malachi Fields.
Speaking about Beckham, his return to the Giants’ team is important because Beckham was drafted by the Giants in the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. From the very beginning, Beckham became one of the best players in the NFL and participated in three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2014 to 2016, scoring 390 receptions, 5,476 receiving yards, and 44 touchdowns.
However, Beckham’s career went through the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins.
Now he gets another shot with the Giants. There is also some franchise history sitting in front of him. Beckham enters the season fourth on the Giants’ all-time list for receiving touchdowns with 44. He needs five more to pass Kyle Rote for second place, with Amani Toomer’s 54 still the franchise record.
The Giants open the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13. Whether Beckham is active for that game remains to be seen; however, the first hurdle is officially cleared.