"You live for those opportunities": When ex-LSU star Odell Beckham Jr. revealed how he developed skills for one-handed catches in college
Former LSU star Odell Beckham Jr. has made several impressive catches in the NFL, some of those even one-handed, a skill not shared by many receivers. Though his skill isn't the same presently, he once was hailed as one of the best wide receivers in the league.
In an interview with "The King" Scott Engel on Dec. 8, 2015, OBJ revealed how he developed skills for one-handed college during his time at LSU. The Miami Dolphins referenced former LSU teammate and wide receiver Jarvis Landry while revealing the development of the skill.
"We’d go out and catch late at night, no matter the time," OBJ said (from 4:40 onwards). "We’d just go out there and do that, and it’s something that developed from there. He made his fair share of one-handed catches in college."
"You live for those opportunities to make big plays, so it’s no surprise to me the success he’s had in his career. I definitely wish him even more success ... One handed catches in college and just um you know you live for those opportunities to make plays make big plays."
While Odell Beckham is likely in the worst phase of his career, he had his time. He played three seasons in college with the LSU Tigers before being picked in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. His third season with the Tigers was his best, receiving 143 receptions for 2340 yards and 63 touchdowns.
In the NFL, he won Super Bowl LVI and is a three-time Pro-Bowler.
LSU once suspended Odell Beckham Jr. for 2 years after controversial celebration on winning CFB title
The LSU Tigers won the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship against the Clemson Tigers and Odell Beckham Jr. was in attendance.
According to Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger and Pat Forde, Beckham received a two-year ban from school facilities for giving players cash. This comes in violation of LSU's self-imposed booster-payment sanctions.
Moreover, a report from Brooks Kubena of The Advocate reported that Beckham handed out $2,000.
"LSU has worked proactively and in cooperation with the NCAA to identify and self-report any violations that occurred within our football program. We believe these self-imposed penalties are appropriate and we will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the NCAA on this matter," LSU senior associate athletic director Robert Munson stated at the time.
Interestingly, it was before the NIL era. Despite a rule change in 2021 allowing players to commercialize their name, image and likeness and earn from it, programs are still forbidden to attract recruits through financial incentives.