It’s been four years since the Los Angeles Rams hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, and while several players from that Super Bowl LVI squad remain, one familiar face—Odell Beckham Jr.—is still looking for a path back. Beckham, a standout in that championship run, revealed on The Pivot that he has accepted a six-game suspension for a failed drug test from his time with the Miami Dolphins.
“I feel like I deserve to speak my truth,” Beckham said, noting that he never knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs and has never failed a test in his 10-plus years in the NFL’s random drug testing program. “Everyone [said], ‘The high school he went to…’ [or] ‘His mom…’ No, bruh. I earned all of this.”
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Reconnecting With Rams’ Sean McVay
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Even as Beckham faces the suspension, he made it clear that his desire to return to the NFL is intertwined with his admiration for Rams head coach Sean McVay. “Mm-hm. They’re gonna take me home, call the family, tell them there’s a number seven jersey that we need to unretire for a year, a couple games. Mm-hm.
“I need that back. Coach McVay, my favorite coach that I’ve had all my life… He prepped me for football,” Beckham said. He detailed the meticulous preparation McVay offered during their time together, emphasizing the coach’s ability to set up plays and create game plans tailored to Beckham’s skills.
Beckham recalled coordinating with Cooper Kupp during training, mapping out routes and strategies: “If y’all was gonna play man to man on Koop, we gonna kill you. And Koopie, if you’re gonna double up on him… I’m gonna eat you up today.” It’s a testament to Beckham’s competitive drive and his comfort with McVay’s system—one reason he remains open to a reunion.
Suspension and Career Outlook
Beckham’s suspension stems from a therapeutic use exemption issue during his time with Miami. He explained that he initially hesitated to accept the suspension but now views it as an opportunity to reset. “In hindsight, I should have just taken it… Now, people go out, get to say what they want to say about me,” he said.
The ban keeps him sidelined for six games, running into late November, but Beckham remains confident in his ability to contribute once eligible. “It [the talent] didn’t go away. Just my opportunity to show it went away.”
Could the Rams Bring Him Back?
Currently, the Rams’ wide receiver room is full with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington. Beckham’s return would only become relevant if injuries strike, but his knowledge of McVay’s system makes him a uniquely prepared option should the need arise. While the odds are slim—less than 10%—for an immediate reunion, Beckham’s talent, experience, and connection to McVay leave the door ajar for a potential late-season or playoff role.
For now, Beckham is focused on proving he’s ready when that door opens. “I’ve earned my stripes. I’ve earned the ability to speak my truth and not hide from nothing.”
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