NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. has publicly denied rumours of his retirement after a fake social media post went viral on Tuesday, 12 August, sparking confusion among fans and sports media.
The post, shared by a parody account impersonating NFL insider Adam Schefter, falsely claimed the 32-year-old wide receiver had ended his 10-year professional career.
Beckham swiftly responded online, declaring he was 'not done yet' and urging supporters to ignore unverified reports.
How the Retirement Rumour Started
The controversy began when a parody account on X, formerly Twitter, posted what appeared to be an official retirement announcement. According to the New York Post, the hoax mimicked a legitimate insider report and was amplified quickly as users mistook it for real news.
Although the account carried a parody disclaimer, its visual similarities to verified sports media profiles contributed to the rapid spread of the misinformation. The hoax capitalised on Beckham's free-agent status and recent absence from competitive play, making it plausible to those unfamiliar with his current career plans.
After 10 seasons in the NFL, Odell Beckham Jr. has decided to retire. Beckham Jr. played for the Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens, and Dolphins. He announced Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/MHOarCpDoR
— Adam Schelfer (@AdamSche1fer) August 12, 2025
Odell Beckham Jr.'s Public Denial
In a series of strongly worded posts on X and Instagram, Beckham dismissed the retirement claim, telling fans: 'This shxt ain't over yet. Not done yet... thanks for the concerns and have a blessed day'.
According to CBS Sports, he further added: 'No seriously. Please stop reading everything on the internet, and stop texting me happy retirement before you piss me off... I promise the day I'm done, I will let you know'.
Beckham's comments drew support from fellow players and fans, while also reigniting discussion about the role of social media in spreading false information.
No seriously. Plz stop reading everything on the internet, and stop texting me happy retirement b4 u piss me off 😭😭😭. That will get no response. I promise u the day I’m done I will let u kno. Again if u text me happy retirement im just gon have to block u😭😭. Thanks
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) August 12, 2025
Career Context and Current Status
Beckham is currently a free agent after being released by the Miami Dolphins in December 2024. His stint with the Dolphins saw limited impact, with only nine receptions for 55 yards in nine games during the 2024 NFL season.
The wide receiver first entered the league in 2014 as a first-round draft pick for the New York Giants, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and gaining instant fame for a one-handed touchdown catch that became one of the most replayed highlights in NFL history. He later played for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, securing a Super Bowl victory with the Rams in 2022, where he scored the first touchdown of the game before suffering a torn ACL.
Odell Beckham Jr. made one of the greatest one handed catch in NFL history (2014) pic.twitter.com/tvy5C8ydW8
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) June 11, 2025
The Spread of Misinformation in Sports Media
Beckham's experience highlights the persistent issue of misinformation in online sports coverage. Parody accounts often create convincing but false narratives that can mislead the public, especially when targeting high-profile athletes. While X labels parody accounts, the speed of content sharing frequently outpaces fact-checking, leaving athletes to publicly correct the record.
Similar incidents have affected other NFL players and coaches in recent years, raising concerns about the reliability of breaking news on social platforms and prompting calls for stricter verification processes.
Beckham's Future Prospects
Despite a challenging 2024 season, Beckham has indicated he remains open to offers from NFL teams. According to People, he reiterated that he is not retiring and is ready for the right opportunity.
Analysts suggest his veteran experience, past championship success and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations could still make him an asset for franchises in need of an experienced wide receiver.
