Former NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. has stated that even a $100 million contract may not be sufficient for a secure retirement. Beckham, who first gained national attention in 2014 for his iconic one-handed catch, played for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and later the Los Angeles Rams, where he scored the opening touchdown in the Super Bowl, securing the only championship of his career. He spent subsequent seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins but struggled with injuries and is now a free agent. According to Spotrac, Beckham’s total career earnings from NFL contracts exceed $100 million.
Despite the headline figure, Beckham recently explained why such earnings do not necessarily guarantee lifelong financial security. Speaking on The Pivot Podcast, he emphasized the impact of taxes and expenses on players’ contracts.
“I always tell people, you give someone a five-year, $100 million contract—what is it really?” Beckham said. “After taxes, that’s closer to $60 million. That’s about $12 million a year.”
Beckham also highlighted how lifestyle choices quickly reduce those sums. “You buy a car, you buy your mom a house. Everything costs money. If you’re spending $4 million a year, that’s $40 million over five years,” he explained. “Now you’re really looking at $8 million a year. Can that last forever?” He added that those outside professional sports often underestimate the financial pressures players face: “People who’ve never been in our position always say, ‘That would last a lifetime.’”
Off the field, Beckham has supplemented his income through endorsement deals. In 2017, he reportedly signed a five-year Nike contract worth around $5 million annually, after a competitive bid from Adidas. He has also partnered with brands such as Head & Shoulders, Lenovo, and Foot Locker. These ventures have helped him accumulate a reported net worth of approximately $40 million.