Odell Beckham Jr. took to Twitter earlier this offseason to tell Giants fans, “I am more motivated now [than] I have ever been.’’
That motivation, apparently, did not include attendance at the first two OTA practices by the most prolific pass-catcher in the first three years of an NFL career.
Instead, Beckham spent time hanging out — and working out — with Johnny Manziel, a bona fide NFL pariah.
You want to generate some discussion, get some clicks or attract plenty of eyeballs? Print or post a picture that includes Beckham and Manziel in the same shot.
To add some intrigue, make sure the image goes public on a day when Beckham’s teammates were gathered together at the team facility, working on the field during an OTA. Cue the cries of, “Where the heck is Odell, and what is he doing hanging out with the quarterback formerly known as Johnny Football?’’
A shirtless Beckham was seen with Manziel and the custom sneaker artist known as Kickasso in a picture posted Tuesday on Kickasso’s Instagram feed. On Wednesday, TMZ reported Beckham and Manziel “hit the gridiron for some passing drills.’’ Beckham and the infamous, troubled NFL flameout playing catch as Beckham missed his second OTA is not an optic that works well for the superstar receiver, even if the practices are voluntary this time of year.
Beckham does not seem to care about optics. He took to Twitter on Wednesday to post this: “If they don’t have a story these days they’ll make one … I might get that tatted,’’ borrowing a lyric from his buddy Drake. Beckham completed the tweet with two “face with tears of joy’’ emojis and the hashtag “StayTheCourse.’’
This was not the first time Beckham and Manziel hung out. Earlier this offseason they were seen together in Paris. Both work with Jamal Liggin, a Los Angeles-based trainer known for his unique speed drills and diverse client base. Liggin has worked with Beckham for three years and also trains Marshawn Lynch, Dashon Goldson, Reggie Bush, Alshon Jeffery and Jarvis Landry from the NFL, and Sean “Diddy’’ Combs from the entertainment world. Liggin also trains professional soccer players, tennis players, boxers and mixed martial arts competitors.
Beckham was hanging with a different celebrity Monday. Recently rumored to be dating Iggy Azalea, the pair was spotted cozying up together at Bowlero Woodland Hills, according to a source at the venue. Insiders say they were with a small group of friends and rented the full venue out for their group, bowling and eating throughout their visit. Beckham drank only ice water.
Beckham could make his OTA debut Thursday. Beckham has participated in the offseason program, but the on-field work ramps up in the OTAs, and Beckham missed the first two.
It already has been a lucrative offseason for Beckham. The Giants picked up the fifth-year option on his contract, ensuring he will make $8.4 million on 2018. This week, he signed a five-year endorsement deal with Nike for $29 million — the largest ever for an NFL player. Such is Beckham’s popularity and marketability.
As always, there is a spotlight on anything Beckham does, or does not do. He ended the 2016 season dropping two passes in the playoff loss to the Packers, his frustration evident when he punched a hole in a wall in the bowels of Lambeau Field. General manager Jerry Reese said afterward he was not concerned about Beckham but advised it was time for the star receiver to “grow up.’’
Though Eli Manning, Sterling Shepard and newly acquired Brandon Marshall and other Giants receivers attended Manning’s passing camp at Duke University in April, Beckham did not participate because of previously scheduled oral surgery.