New York Giants legend Michael Strahan defended wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., heralding his work ethic and dismissing the criticism he faces.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been at the heart of criticism on a rather consistent basis. Between his scrutinized boat trip and his decision to skip voluntary OTAs, the Giants star hasn’t caught a break from the masses.
In the midst of what’s becoming the most trying time of Beckham’s young career, a Giants legend is coming to his defense.
Beckham is one of the most productive players in the NFL, which has inevitably earned him superstar status. He’s a polarizing figure in some eyes, however, and the past few months have only strengthened their dissatisfaction with his approach.
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN’s NFL Nation, franchise legend Michael Strahan defended Beckham’s work ethic against his critics.
"“I’ve seen this kid work,” Strahan said of Beckham. “I’ve talked to him this offseason. His head is where it needs to be.“Everybody gives him a hard time about missing a little OTAs. Hell, I didn’t go to those things, so I’m the wrong person to be sympathetic for people who are giving him a hard time.”"
If anyone knows what it takes to win as a member of the Giants, it’s a Super Bowl champion like Strahan.
Beckham already ranks at No. 12 on the Giants’ all-time receptions list, as well as No. 15 in receiving yards and No. 8 in receiving touchdowns. During the 2016 season, he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach both 3,000 and 3,500 career receiving yards.
Shortly thereafter, Beckham tied Lance Alworth for the record as the fastest players in NFL history to reach 4,000 career receiving yards.
Congrats to @OBJ_3 on hitting 4,000!
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2016
He ties HOF'er Lance Alworth for the fastest to 4k receiving yds in NFL history. #GiantsPride #TNF pic.twitter.com/VcCK0fBy2I
When a wide receiver is compared to a Hall of Fame player like Alworth, it’s likely to be for a good reason.
Unfortunately, Beckham’s all-time production hasn’t been enough to silence his critics. His work ethic has been commonly questioned—which, to Strahan, is a silly sentiment for any outsider to express about this dynamic talent.
Whether or not Strahan can sway the opinions of angry Giants fans, Beckham has a powerful supporter standing in his corner.
Must Read: Odell Beckham Jr.'s peers named him as a Top 10 player
If you ask Michael Strahan, New York Giants fans should be grateful to have Odell Beckham Jr. on the roster.