NFL notes: Odell Beckham intends to keep yapping and clapping even it makes him a target
Odell Beckham Jr. is well aware how annoying he can be on the field.
Not only does the New York Giants’ receiver catch passes with ease, he has that infuriating habit of yapping to defensive backs and making celebratory gestures after big plays.
It’s no wonder that some cornerbacks and safeties want to put a big hit on him.
Beckham doesn’t mind the added attention, and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has no plans on changing his style.
“I still have to play with the same passion and come to the field the same way every time,” Beckham said Wednesday. “People are going to talk, you’re going to talk, you get caught up in the game. It’s heat of the moment, things are going to get said, and after the game, all is forgotten.”
All wasn’t forgotten after the Giants’ preseason game with Jacksonville on Saturday.
Fellow receiver Victor Cruz said some of the Jags defensive backs appeared to be targeting Beckham, looking to make a big hit rather than make a play on the ball.
Beckham agreed with the assessment, to a point.
“It’s football, you’re going to get hit, you’re going to have to take shots, and you’re going to have to get up and compete,” Beckham said.
Beckham certainly is worth protecting. He had 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games last season.
Vick attracts protesters
New Steelers backup quarterback Michael Vick says he’s happy for the chance to extend his career even though he understands his presence in the league remains a problem for some.
The four-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh on Tuesday after reserve Bruce Gradkowski was lost for the season with a hand injury. The Steelers are Vick’s third team since returning to the NFL in 2009 following a stay in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.
A handful of animal rights activists gathered outside the Steelers training facility to protest his arrival. Vick says he understands why some people can’t get past his mistakes but stressed he does not let that affect his mindset.
Around the league
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora is retiring as a member of the New York Giants. Umenyiora, who won two Super Bowls with the Giants, signed a one-day contract and announced his retirement after 12 NFL seasons, the first 10 with New York and last two in Atlanta. … Johnny Manziel’s sore right elbow has not responded to rest and the Cleveland quarterback will likely sit out an exhibition Saturday at Tampa Bay. … Oakland has signed free agent safety Taylor Mays. He was released last week by Detroit. … Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is expected to play in Houston’s season opener against Kansas City on Sept. 13. The top overall pick in the 2014 draft had microfracture surgery on his right knee in December and didn’t return to practice until Aug. 17. … Atlanta has signed Rex Grossman to compete for the backup quarterback job behind Matt Ryan. … Denver has released kicker Connor Barth to make room for Pro Bowl left guard Evan Mathis. Connor made 15 of 16 field goals over the final five weeks last season but was doomed by his poor kickoffs in preseason.