“Unfinished Business in New York?”: Odell Beckham Jr. Opens Up About Giants Departure — Hints at Dream Return to Chase Lombardi in Blue
In a candid and emotional interview with CBS Sports, veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. reflected on his departure from the New York Giants — the team that drafted him, nurtured him, and helped him become one of the NFL’s most electrifying stars.
“I never, ever wanted to leave the New York Giants,” Beckham Jr. said. “This was an organization that believed in me when they drafted me. If the Giants went and won a Super Bowl, I would be happy, but deep down inside… I wanted to be the one [to win a Lombardi for the team].”
Beckham’s heartfelt words come nearly six years after his shocking trade from the Giants to the Cleveland Browns in March 2019 — a move orchestrated by then-GM Dave Gettleman that stunned fans and players alike. At the time, Beckham had just signed a lucrative extension and was considered the face of the franchise. But in a twist that many still question, the Giants chose to part ways with the Pro Bowler, sending him to Cleveland in exchange for a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and safety Jabrill Peppers.
Though OBJ would go on to win a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 season, his heart, it seems, never fully left East Rutherford.
“I always envisioned myself doing it in blue. I dreamed of that parade down the Canyon of Heroes with Giants fans losing their minds,” Beckham said. “That’s the kind of story I wanted to write.”
A Potential Reunion on the Horizon?
Now entering the later stages of his career, Beckham is a free agent once again — and there are whispers that a reunion could be possible under current GM Joe Schoen. The Giants, looking to bolster their receiving corps and inject veteran leadership into a young offense, could consider bringing Beckham home to mentor rising stars like Jalin Hyatt and Malik Nabers.
While no official talks have been confirmed, OBJ’s comments add fuel to the speculation.
NFL insiders have already begun theorizing the benefits of a Giants-OBJ reunion, with some suggesting that a one-year, incentive-laden deal could make sense for both sides — giving Beckham a chance to close the loop on his career with the team that launched it, while helping the Giants solidify their offense in a competitive NFC East.
Legacy and Loyalty
Beckham’s legacy with the Giants is etched in highlight reels: from the iconic one-handed catch against the Cowboys to his record-setting rookie season in 2014. In 59 games with Big Blue, he caught 390 passes for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 4,000 receiving yards at the time.
But beyond the numbers, Beckham’s bond with the city and its fans has always been personal.
“I’ve got nothing but love for New York,” Beckham continued. “The fans, the city, that energy—it’s unmatched. If I ever had the chance to put on that jersey again and finish what I started? Man… that would mean everything.”
As the offseason unfolds and teams begin shaping rosters for the 2025–26 campaign, the possibility of Beckham returning to the Meadowlands is now more than just a fantasy — it’s a story waiting to be written.
Should the Giants bring OBJ home for one last ride? One thing’s for certain: Beckham is ready if they call.
