OBJ Returns to Giants, Eyes Reclaiming His Legendary Number

Clear Facts

• Odell Beckham Jr. has been elevated to the Giants’ 53-man roster for the 2026 season opener against Dallas after Calvin Austin III’s injury
• Beckham recorded 390 catches for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns during his first five years with the Giants before injuries derailed his career trajectory
• The veteran receiver is hoping to reclaim his iconic No. 13 jersey, currently worn by practice squad player Jalin Hyatt

Odell Beckham Jr. had a stranglehold on opposing defenses when he suited up for the New York Giants to start his career. He had 390 catches for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns while with the Giants for the first five years of his career, putting himself on a historic pace if he would have stayed healthy and available.

Injuries and other issues changed the trajectory of Beckham’s career as he moved through the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins through the 2024 season. Now, in a last-ditch effort to extend his career, Beckham finds himself fighting for a roster spot with the team that drafted him.

After Calvin Austin III went down with an injury, Beckham was elevated to the 53-man roster ahead of the team’s first game of the 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys. It’s not a complete full-circle moment for Beckham, though.

There is one more thing he’s looking to accomplish before he suits up for the first game – his old number. Beckham wore No. 13 when he started with the Giants and kept the number as he played for the Browns.

He switched to No. 3 when he joined the Rams, helping the team to a Super Bowl title. He was also No. 3 with the Ravens and Dolphins.

Back with Big Blue, Beckham said Monday he’s hoping to get that jersey number again.

“I think we all know what that means to me, and there definitely will be some conversations,” he told reporters.

“I’ll just say we’ll see what happens, but like I said, it would be an honor and a privilege to put that back on.”

Jalin Hyatt is wearing No. 13 right now. He was cut and then signed to the practice squad.

Hyatt was given No. 13 after the Giants selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft. But he has not exactly lived up to the expectations that come with being a wide receiver selected on Day 2 of the draft, recording just 36 catches for 470 yards and no touchdowns in 41 games.

Presently, Beckham is wearing No. 3. Numbers aside, Beckham said he felt like he can still produce at a high level.

“I feel confident in my ability, and whatever it is that I need to provide, I’m looking to do that and more,” he said.

“I’ve never shied away from competition or anything like that. So, I feel that I can produce. I know that’s what I want to do and now it’s about putting the work in to be able to do that.”

Beckham isn’t going to be wide receiver No. 1 – that’s slotted for Malik Nabers when he’s back to full health. The offense also has Darius Slayton, Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney as well.

Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart will have plenty of options to throw to this season. The Giants will need all the weapons they can get as they look to turn around their fortunes in what’s shaping up to be a competitive NFC East.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.