New York Post

‘Role-model’ OBJ set to catch fire

- By PAUL SCHWARTZ paul.schwartz@nypost.com

He is 24 years old and about to embark on his fourth season with the Giants — and Odell Beckham Jr. believes he never has been more prepared, in every sense, for what comes next.

“Mentally, physically, spirituall­y, everything, I don’t think I’ve ever been as ready as I am now,’’ Beckham said Saturday.

With 600 youngsters running him ragged on a humid day at his Citi Odell Beckham Jr. Football ProCamp at Kean University in Union, N.J., Beckham said he believes he is in a good place, the best place he’s ever been. The hubbub caused by his absence from the Giants’ 10 organized team activity practices dissipated after he attended last week’s three-day mandatory minicamp. His workout regime in Los Angeles left him in peak condition. He has said he used the time to look inward. What comes next are the results.

“I guess we have to wait and see,’’ Beckham said. “Words can only do so much, so we got to wait to see what happens.’’

The Giants have reloaded around Beckham, signing towering veteran receiver Brandon Marshall and selecting tight end Evan En- gram in the first round of the NFL draft, to go along with Sterling Shepard, who is entering his second year. On the field last week, Beckham caught a glimpse of the assembled talent. He is now interested to see how opponents deal with what the Giants have to offer.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what teams are going to do this year, I think it’s gonna be a lot of trouble,’’ Beckham said. “Especially young Sheps, I know he’s ready. … I’m looking forward to this year.’’

The addition of Marshall figures to free Beckham of at least some of the extra defensive attention he has received in his first three seasons. Beckham said he’s also already received “life advice’’ from the well-traveled Marshall.

“We kind of have a similar struggle and in a sense of how we grew up and how our mentalitie­s are,’’ Beckham said. “We’re really a lot [more] similar than what people may think and it’s just great to have him there.’’

This is the second year Beckham headed into the summer hosting this camp. He interacts easily with the youngsters, some of whom sported the dyed blonde hair he has made famous.

“It’s a responsibi­lity,’’ said Beckham, who as a child looked up to Michael Vick. “I say it all the time, I remember when I was young and I looked up to somebody, little do we know the things that we do have a huge impact on ’ em. So always be mindful of what you’re doing, try to be the best person you can be and in turn hopefully that will be a good role model for somebody else.

“It’s truly a blessing to be in this position.’’

Beckham laughed and said the kids reminded of him about his fame-inducing one-handed catch against the Cowboys and called him the “GOAT’’ — greatest of all time. Beckham slapped hands with the campers as he made his way from one drill to another and, in true Pied Piper fashion, he attracted a following wherever he went on the field.

“I don’t want to say I didn’t expect to be where I’m at today, but I didn’t expect kids to be dyeing their hair blonde,’’ Beckham said. “I have all kind of parents saying ‘My kid dyed his hair blonde because of you.’ I didn’t mean for all that stuff to happen, but again, it goes back to being a responsibi­lity. It’s a good thing. I just never really expected to be where I’m at, exactly, today.’’

 ?? Paul Schwartz ?? HERO WORSHIP: Odell Beckham Jr. is swarmed by kids at his Citi Odell Beckham Jr. Football ProCamp at Kean University on Saturday.
Paul Schwartz HERO WORSHIP: Odell Beckham Jr. is swarmed by kids at his Citi Odell Beckham Jr. Football ProCamp at Kean University on Saturday.

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