Norman: All OBJ has is ‘The Catch’

Players won’t report to NFL training camps for several days, but Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman are talking trash like it’s September already.

A day after Beckham took a swipe at Norman in GQ Magazine by saying “The reason he’s become so relevant is because of me,” the new Redskins cornerback returned fire. Norman, who was cut by the Panthers in April despite reaching the Pro Bowl and helping them advance to the Super Bowl, said Thursday that Beckham is only “relevant because of ‘The Catch.’ ”

Norman, attending the Roc Nation Summer Classic charity basketball game at Barclays Center, was referring to the sensational one-handed touchdown catch against the Cowboys in Beckham’s rookie season. Of course, the Giants wide receiver has produced more than one electrifying reception, breaking Randy Moss’ record for most receiving yards in his first two seasons with 2,744 yards. He’s averaged 93.5 catches, 12.5 touchdowns and 1,372 yards per season.

Beckham also told GQ Magazine that Norman is in Washington merely because of him. When asked about the remark, Norman smiled and said “What?! Five for 75,” referring to the five-year, $75 million deal he signed.

The duo became rivals last December, when their heavily hyped one-on-one matchup was filled with several ugly after-the-whistle hits. Beckham was given a onegame suspension after being called for three personal fouls and Norman called him a “B----” following the game. The two have continued their war of words this offseason, first on Twitter and now through the media.

Still, Norman said the two games against the Giants don’t hold any extra significance for him, calling them “just a team.” Then again, he already has the date of their first matchup — Sept. 25 at MetLife Stadium in Week 3 — memorized.

“People like that, like I said, the time for earning themselves [respect] will soon be in the air,” Norman said. “Sept. 25, we’re going to put that to the test, and we’re going to see [what that looks] like.”