31 January 2024 , 02:00
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Odell Beckham Jr, the star receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, has decided to continue his NFL career despite rumours of retirement following a disappointing loss in the AFC Championship. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, had an impressive season with a 13-4 record but fell short in the title game against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 17-10.
Despite only making three catches for 22 yards in the game, Beckham, 31, remains confident in his abilities. "To me, if there is anything I felt about myself - regardless of anybody's opinion or anything like that - is that I know that I can still play football, and I know that I still have [stuff] in the tank," he told the Ravens website.
He also expressed disappointment at the team's performance, saying: "It's just unfortunate - the way that it went today - because, to me, it's so much bigger than one person in this room; it was [about] just being able to have that moment with these guys you've worked so hard with," As for his future, Beckham plans to take some time to reflect before deciding on his next steps.
When asked about his future with the Ravens, Beckham admitted he didn't have a straightforward answer. He expressed his love for Baltimore and his desire to win the Super Bowl for the city "more than anything", but recognised that the team hadn't lived up to expectations.
After their recent loss, the Ravens' sideline was filled with disappointed players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers. Flowers had been penalised for taunting, which resulted in a significant loss of yards, and also fumbled just before scoring a touchdown.
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Beckham was seen talking to Jackson and Flowers, offering them support as an experienced player. He later shared what he'd said to them.
Odell Beckham Jr wants to continue his NFL career (Getty)"Just, through experience, the things that I've learned and these are special guys. They have long, healthy careers God-willing ahead of them. [I] was just letting Zay [Flowers] know [that] he's going to be a special player, and this is a moment in [his] career that, It's never going to break you; It's always going to make you. And just being able to be there for him however I can. I feel the same way that they do."
The Ravens signed Beckham on a one-year contract worth $15 million in April. The deal was rushed through before a meeting with the New York Jets a few days later.
Beckham wrapped up the 2023 regular season with 564 yards and three touchdowns from 35 catches. The last time he hit a 1,000-yard season was back in 2019 when he was with the Cleveland Browns, reminding us of his stellar performances as part of the New York Giants.