The moment that changed Odell Beckham Jr.’s life came in midair—back arched, fingers outstretched, helmet tugged—when he pulled in that one-handed catch against the Cowboys in 2014. That grab didn’t just put six points on the board. It carved his name into NFL lore. From then on, Beckham wasn’t just a player—he was a brand, a highlight, and for a while, the future of wide receiver stardom. But now, ten seasons later, the lights may be fading.

Rumors are swirling that former Pro Bowler and Lamar Jackson’s ex-teammate, Odell Beckham Jr., may be inching toward retirement. As of late May, the 32-year-old wideout remains a free agent, and no teams have publicly expressed interest. After being released midseason by the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Beckham has yet to find a new home—raising questions about whether his time in the league has come to an end.

Beckham first burst onto the scene in 2014 with the New York Giants, who drafted him 12th overall. Despite missing his first four games due to a hamstring injury, he went on to become the first rookie to post over 75 catches, 1,100 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns—all in just 12 games. His jaw-dropping one-handed grab earned instant legend status, and he capped the year by being named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

In 2015, EA Sports placed him on the cover of Madden—a spot many thought would go to Rob Gronkowski. In 2018, the Giants doubled down on their investment, signing Beckham to a five-year, $95 million extension. But his road took sharp turns after that.

After a turbulent stint in Cleveland, Beckham found new life with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, where he played a key role in their Super Bowl LVI victory before suffering a torn ACL. He sat out 2022 and returned in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens, catching passes from Lamar Jackson. Then came his 2024 stop with the Dolphins—a rather unremarkable run that ended early when Miami released him mid-season.

With training camps approaching and most rosters nearly set, Beckham’s path back into the league would likely require an injury elsewhere or a team seeking veteran depth. If that doesn’t happen soon, the odds of retirement may only increase. However, with his global stardom, not playing in the NFL doesn’t put a stop to his earnings.

Odell Beckham Jr. – A finance wizard

Even if Beckham walks away from football, his off-field playbook remains strong. Known for his entrepreneurial instincts and massive personal brand, OBJ has featured in music videos, campaigns, and TV shows. But perhaps his most headline-grabbing financial move came in 2021 when he chose to receive his $750,000 Rams salary in Bitcoin—a decision many ridiculed at the time.

Fast forward to November 2024: Beckham posted a screenshot of Bitcoin valued at $92,000 and fired back with the caption: “Soooo who said taking my Rams salary in Bitcoin was dumb again? 🤔🤫😌”. As of May 24, 2025, Bitcoin has risen further to $107,000, netting Beckham an estimated 41% profit on that decision (if he’s still HODL-ing, that is). That savvy financial mindset adds a layer of confidence should he decide to pivot from football entirely.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s name still carries global recognition. Whether or not he returns to the NFL, he’s positioned to thrive in business, media, or wherever he chooses next. But fans, especially those who remember the electrifying early years, are still holding out hope for one final comeback. Retirement may be looming for a player who redefined highlight reels, but don’t count him out just yet.