Odell Beckham Hosts Third Annual Pro Camp for Kids at St. Joe's

METUCHEN, NJ – It has been eight months since New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham had season-ending ankle surgery, but on Saturday morning he was seen catching footballs on a field and he looked good doing it.

No, he was not practicing for the Giants. Rather, he was hosting his third annual youth pro camp at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen with over 500 children in attendance.

Beckham provided instruction to children from grades 1-8 on the fundamentals of football through various drills with the assistance of coaches and trainers. Of course he also showcased his highlight reel one-handed catch to the awestruck children before taking the field and participating in scrimmage games.

He even let a group of kids rub their hands through his trademark bleach blonde hair.

“I’m still a kid at heart, so when I’m out here with you guys that’s when I’m having the most fun,” Beckham told the kids in his closing remarks at the camp. “Set goals for yourself every day, no matter how small.”

While he declined to speak to reporters after the event, it was clear that Beckham enjoyed every minute of the football camp.

"It kind of reminds you why you do it," Beckham explained at last year’s camp. "The same love and joy that they have is the same thing that's got me to where I'm at. I like being able to inspire kids to be whoever they want to be."

Through his first three seasons, Beckham caught a record-setting 288 catches for 4,122 yards and 35 touchdowns. However, his 2017 campaign ended after just five games as he enters the final year of his contract as he looks to help the Giants bounce back after a forgetful 3-13 season.

While there was some lingering doubt of whether Beckham would show up for training camp on July 25 as rumors swirled regarding a potential holdout as he seeks a more lucrative contract. He quelled those concerns responding to a reporter’s question as he exited the field.

Despite not formally getting interviewed by media Saturday at his youth football camp, Odell Beckham Jr. told reporters that he will be at training camp. "Yes, sir. Yes, you will." Beckham added, "No holdout", in regards to his contract status.

— Robert Aitken Jr. (@RobertAitkenJr) June" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/RobertAitk... 16, 2018

The Giants added to their offensive attack this offseason by drafting Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. If Beckham returns to pre-injury form, expect New York to regain the potency on offense in the NFC East this season.

All photos used in the lead were taken by Sean Conklin