It sounds unbelievable: an NFL superstar earning over $100 million claiming it’s still not enough to retire.
Could money truly vanish that fast, even for one of the league’s most famous players? Odell Beckham Jr.’s explanation reveals the hidden reality behind the staggering numbers fans see in headlines.
Former New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has made it clear that even a $100 million NFL contract doesn’t guarantee lifelong financial comfort.
Beckham first gained national attention in 2014 for one of the most iconic one-handed catches in NFL history. He later played for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, where he scored the opening touchdown in the Super Bowl, helping secure the only championship of his career. After two seasons hampered by injuries with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, Beckham was released and is currently a free agent. Spotrac reports that his career earnings from NFL contracts alone exceed $100 million.
Despite these staggering sums, Beckham recently shared why such figures don’t automatically translate to financial security. On The Pivot Podcast, he broke down how taxes and expenses drastically reduce what players actually take home. “I always tell people, you give someone a five-year, $100 million contract—what is it really?” he said. “After taxes, that’s closer to $60 million. That’s about $12 million a year.”
Beckham emphasized how lifestyle and everyday spending can quickly erode that income. “You buy a car, you buy your mom a house. Everything costs money. If you’re spending $4 million a year, that’s $40 million over five years,” he explained. “Now you’re really looking at $8 million a year. Can that last forever?” He also addressed common public misconceptions: “People who’ve never been in our position always say, ‘That would last a lifetime.’”
Off the field, Beckham has supplemented his income with endorsements. In 2017, he signed a reported five-year Nike deal worth about $5 million annually, after Adidas attempted to lure him away. He has also worked with brands including Head & Shoulders, Lenovo, and Foot Locker. These ventures have helped him amass a reported net worth of roughly $40 million.
Conclusion
Beckham’s candid remarks offer a reality check on the high-profile world of professional sports. Even multi-million-dollar contracts can shrink quickly under taxes, spending, and lifestyle pressures. For Beckham and many athletes, financial planning is just as important as athletic performance—a reminder that wealth on paper doesn’t always equal lasting security.