EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. _ Odell Beckham Jr. wants his legacy to be more than the impressive numbers he has put up so far in the NFL.
The 313 receptions, 4,424 yards and 38 touchdowns that preceded the contract Beckham signed Monday with the New York Giants worth up to $95 million.
His production is on par with the greatest wide receivers in league history, while no one at the position has cashed in more financially than Beckham.
All of that matters, of course, and Beckham is not foolish enough to try and convince us that it doesn't. But when he and the Giants agreed to the mammoth extension that will keep him with the franchise for the next six seasons, the focus became something even greater.
Beckham promises that he is motivated not only by the expectations observers have for him and his game, but even more so by those he harbors for himself.
"Honestly, it sounds crazy, but I don't feel like I've done anything," Beckham said Tuesday. "Even with the success that I've had, it's not really where I want to be. Like I said before I was even in the NFL, I want to be legendary. The money is great. You can take care of your family, take care of the kids you have some day. But my goal was always to be in the Hall of Fame, to win trophies, to leave a legacy that will be remembered way past any money."
Beckham spoke to the media for the first time after practice Tuesday about the contract he so desperately wanted, as did Giants co-owner and team president John Mara. The two shared in the belief that a deal would get done, as it did, with Mara insisting that any drama involving trade rumors back in March at the owners' meetings that brought public uncertainty to Beckham's future with the Giants was overblown.
Mara said he always expected Beckham to re-sign with the Giants, and the only question was whether the two sides could come to an agreement before this season or whether they would wait until his rookie deal expired next winter.
It was a moment to celebrate, and from teammates past and present in addition to friends from around the NFL, they all took to social media to offer Beckham congratulations on his new deal.
