"Race plays into everything": Odell Beckham Jr. once called out NFL media's racial double standard for not criticizing Tom Brady

Pro football can at times bring out emotions in elite athletes, even Odell Beckham Jr.. Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, considered among the best, was popular for becoming too emotional while playing. He would often shout at refs, players, and coaches alike, but it is often referred to as ‘intense’ or ‘fiery’ at best by the media.

However, the current Dolphins wide receiver believes that he didn't receive the same treatment for his passionate behavior. Often labeled ‘immature’ by the media, Beckham wasn't happy with the title. Hence, in an interview with GQ in July 2019, he let out his frustration on the issue. When asked if race plays into the double standard he faced, he said,

Race, “plays into everything,” Beckham continued, “I hate to even bring him in this, but he’s passionate.”

The wide receiver was referring to Tom Brady, who is also known for displaying strong emotions during games. However, Brady is labeled as "passionate" by the same media because he had won six Super Bowls [at the time of this interview], as per Beckham. Hence, he made the comparison, suggesting that his passion for the sport doesn’t receive the same response.

But Beckham acknowledges that Brady cares deeply about the game, which fuels his passion.

“He cares—he wouldn’t still be playing if he didn’t care for the game the way that he does today. He throws a cup, he yells at referees, he yells at his coach. It’s because he cares that much. He wants to win that badly.”

“Now, because he has won six Super Bowls, they validate him and say, ‘He’s won six Super Bowls.’ I want to win the same way he wants to win. Whether I hit a kicking net or whether I do whatever, I want to win that badly. I care about winning more than anything.”

The former Giants WR was perplexed by how his reactions to game moments were perceived. If he remained stoic, he was labeled as uncaring and uninterested. But if he showed emotions on the field, he was suddenly "immature."

Odell Beckham Jr. was surrounded by on and off-field controversies

But in Beckham’s case, there are more than just on-field passionate moments behind the label he has received. His on-field physical confrontation with CB Josh Norman in 2015 is infamous, leading to personal fouls and a one-game suspension.

Off the field, OBJ has also been involved in incidents that have contributed to his reputation. These include handing out cash to LSU athletes in 2020 after their national championship victory, which led to an investigation into the college program.

In another incident, he was removed from a flight in 2022 after being unresponsive to a crew member’s request to fasten his seat belt. He also faces an assault allegation made by a woman at a Los Angeles venue in 2023.