Odell Beckham Jr. said he considers himself the NFL's version of NBA star LeBron James as he attempts to resurrect his career in a second stint with the New York Giants.
"I'm just trying to be present each and every day and prove to myself that I am who I know I am," the 33-year-old wideout said, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "Everybody likes to talk about, 'Is he going to be this, that?'
"And I'm like, 'LeBron James used to take off before the free-throw line, and now if he's taking off with his foot right in front of it. He's still got a different game, but he's still playing at a high level.' I believe that I can play at a high level."
Unlike James, Beckham is competing for a roster spot. New York's crowded WR room is headlined by Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin III. Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler, has earned first-team reps alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Beckham said he's getting "better" every day at training camp. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Giants, but his most recent appearance in an NFL game came in 2024 as a member of the Miami Dolphins. He played his last full season in the league under current Giants head coach John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.
Despite finding himself in the unfamiliar situation of competing for a roster spot, Beckham said he's embracing it.
"I kind of like it. My boy texted me, he's like, 'This is where you thrive. Pressure,'" Beckham said. "When I have pressure, I live for it."
