Baltimore Ravens fans are excited about the big impact incoming wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. can potentially have on the offense. But they might be surprised to learn that he almost considered riding off into the sunset well before he signed a one-year, $15 million contract in April.

Beckham was completely dejected after suffering the second torn ACL of his career during Super Bowl 56. He overcame the unforgiving grind of recovery in 2020 with the Cleveland Browns and became a critical component of a championship team with the Los Angeles Rams. Throw in the battle scars he carried from an ankle fracture with the New York Giants a few years back, and you could see why retiring after just being vindicated was an appealing option.

“I went through a lot the last couple of years, and I thought it was over,” Beckham told The Athletic when recalling the demoralizing injury. “I didn't want to get back up on the horse and do the same song and dance all over again.”

The ACL rehab process can break down even the most mentally tough athlete, but being forced to endure such an ordeal at 29 years old for a second time is quite difficult to fathom. Odell Beckham Jr. has seen a lot during his nine years in the NFL. He has been a polarizing figure and a Super Bowl hero (only played in first half but scored a touchdown). The 30-year-old enters Ravens training camp surrounded by speculation once again.

Can he hold up the whole season? Beckham has full confidence in his body and is trusting that he can again change his NFL narrative. If his year in Baltimore proves successful, perhaps the receiver can properly close the book on an unpredictable but ultimately satisfying career.