Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Odell Beckham Jr. Makes Career Announcement After 1 Year Outside NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 9:17 PM ET

It has been two years since Odell Beckham Jr. last graced an NFL field, but he has remained busy and stayed in great shape. He previously said that a comeback is still on his horizon, and executives may need to take another look at him after his performance in a different sport.

The three-time Pro Bowler put on a show for fans as one of the participants in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic organized by Tom Brady. He played for the Joe Burrow-led Wildcats FFC, who faced Team USA, led by Brady, in an exhibition match.

Other members of the Wildcats included NFL veterans Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, Derwin James Jr., Luke Kuechly, and Jalen Ramsey. They provided a challenge to Brady's team, which was composed of Ashton Jeanty, DeVonta Smith, Von Miller, Alvin Kamara, Damar Hamlin, Patrick Peterson, Antoine Winfield Jr., and boxer Terence Crawford.

Odell Beckham Jr. more than held his own against the top flag football team, despite the Wildcats losing 16–39.

Former NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. payed for the Wildcats during the Fanatics Flag Football ClassicKirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Wildcats scored two touchdowns—one from Hopkins and one from Beckham Jr. The wide receiver sent spectators into nostalgia when he made a one-handed two-point conversion off a pass from Burrow.

Beckham Jr. was pleased with his performance and hopes that flag football can serve as a gateway back to NFL gridirons.

Odell Beckham Jr. said he would "love" the opportunity to return to the Giants and play with Jaxson Dart

33-year-old OBJ's last NFL game played was in December 2024, who should pick him up?

(via @heykayadams) pic.twitter.com/jFZrkrNIi0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 22, 2026

Team USA coach Jorge Cascudo vouched for Beckham’s ability. He even suggested that the 33-year-old Super Bowl champion can be an addition the national team.

"I almost said, 'Hey, there's a spot whenever you're interested. Come talk to me. We can point you in trials and compete,'" he told reporters post-game.

Flag football is one of the sports set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, which will be hosted in Los Angeles. The final lineup has yet to be determined, although several prominent current and former NFL players have already expressed interest in joining the national team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: