Odell Beckham Jr. found himself as the subject of controversy after repeated altercations with Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norton, and the New York Giants wide receiver knows he has some maturing to do.
On his personal website, Beckham posted a thank-you message to fans acknowledging the disappointing season.
“This year has been a rollercoaster and I still have some more growing and learning to do.”
The budding superstar also thanked now-former head coach Tom Coughlin, who taught Beckham “how to be a man.”
Beckham will focus on improving his on-field skills, but he needs to work on what’s inside his skull, too. The 23-year-old must learn how to control his temper, because Beckham let emotion take over throughout the year.
During the preseason, he broke off a route and chipped Jacksonville Jaguars safety Sergio Brown. Beckham slugged Buffalo Bills safety Duke Williams after an interception. Then, his actions hit the national scope following an outing against the Carolina Panthers.
Beckham and Norman were physically battling all game. However, Beckham took the bickering and slaps to a new level, getting a 10-yard head start before spearing Norman near the jaw.
The hope is Beckham can turn his ugly past exclusively into a memory, because his football career is off to a legendary start.
Despite missing four games during his rookie season because of a hamstring injury and being suspended for one more after the Norman incident, Beckham has already registered 2,755 yards. He passed Randy Moss for the most receiving yards through two NFL seasons.
Once Beckham starts showing that mental growth on the field, his potential to become a lasting icon will be even more obvious.