In the 2021 NFL season, Odell Beckham Jr faced a daunting challenge that would make most players sit out for the remainder of the year. The Baltimore Ravens‘ wide receiver discovered that he had a torn ACL, an injury that could sideline him for months. However, instead of taking time off, he chose to play through the pain to help his team win the Super Bowl.
During his first press conference with the Baltimore Ravens, Beckham disclosed that he played without an ACL during his time in Los Angeles.
He recounted that he was informed by his doctor, ElAttrache, during Week Nine of the season that he did not have an ACL and that he could undergo surgery at that moment.
“That whole season I was playing without it,” he said.
“It was a crazy thing. I signed with the L.A. Rams, and I remember ElAttrache comes down there and he’s like, ‘I’ve just got to inform you that you don’t have an ACL. You know, we can redo your surgery right now.’ And this was Week Nine of the season,” Beckham added.
#Ravens WR Odell Beckham revealed that he found out in Week 9 of the 2021 season that he had no ACL.
He decided to play out the rest of the year without it, he ended the season with a Super Bowl ring. pic.twitter.com/7aeKsfPvW3
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 14, 2023
Why did Odell Beckham Jr play despite the injury?
Despite the doctor’s suggestion, he chose to continue playing without his ACL. Because he had a lot to prove and wanted to win a championship.
“And I just told him, I was like, ‘I’ve been through way too much to come here and sign. There was way too much talk on my name. You know, the past year, like I came here to win a championship.’ And I told him I’d die on the sword.”
He remained with the Rams until the Super Bowl, where he suffered a knee injury in the first half of the game. Had he not been injured, many speculate that he could have won the Super Bowl MVP.
Odell Beckham Jr’s decision to play through the pain and continue to contribute to his team’s success despite his torn ACL injury is nothing short of remarkable.
His actions not only demonstrate his determination and perseverance but also inspire his teammates and fans alike. As the Ravens celebrate their Super Bowl victory, Beckham can look back on this moment as one of the defining moments of his career.
