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Throughout his NFL journey, Odell Beckham Jr. has inked five contracts worth approximately $119 million over 12 years. Managing this wealth, however, hasn’t been straightforward for the former star receiver.
In a recent appearance on Ryan Clark’s podcast, Beckham Jr. shared his perspective on the challenges of living with NFL-level wealth – revealing a disconnect that many fans found troubling. Clark, who’s no stranger to controversial statements himself, provided a platform for OBJ’s surprising financial complaints.
Beckham Jr. actually listed “flaunting” as one of his necessary expenses.
“And I always explain this to people. Like bro, you give somebody a 5-year, $100 million contract, right? What is it really? It’s 5 years for $60M. You’re getting taxed. Do the math—that’s $12M a year, you know, that you have to spend, use, save, invest, flaunt…just being real. I’m going to buy a car, I’m going to give my mom a house. Everything costs money,” Beckham Jr. explained on the podcast.
He continued his breakdown: “So, if you’re spending $4M a year, that’s really $40M over five years — $8M a year. That’s a five year span of where you’re getting $8M [per year]. Can you make that last forever? And you always hear the people who ain’t us and ain’t been in the position to be, ‘Oh, well that would last a lifetime.’”
The reaction was swift and merciless.
Social media users immediately criticized the former NFL star for complaining about financial struggles while discussing sums that most Americans will never see in their lifetimes.
If you can’t build generational wealth with $60 million then it’s definitely a skill issue 😂
Like what are we talking about ?? https://t.co/MJy8SZerKk
— Hlovo (@hlovo_) December 1, 2025
Can we be honest?
There is no way one cannot make 60 mill liquid last for a lifetime (and then some!) unless they are living WAY beyond their means.
This issue here is NOT that people don't understand your lifestyle & what its like to be u.
The issue is your lifestyle is… https://t.co/2yA0gSpdpS
— Ameen (@Ameen_HGA) December 1, 2025
It’s incredibly easy to make $100M, even after taxes, last a lifetime. Let’s not pretend it isn’t.
After taxes + agent + business manager, you’re still clearing $10M a year.
Live on $3–5M, invest the rest in an index fund.
Retire with $25–30M invested, generating $1.5–2M a… https://t.co/gWqp4RNxj0
— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) December 1, 2025
Beckham Jr.’s NFL career peaked early with the New York Giants, where he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2014 and made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (2014-2016). His explosive playing style and signature one-handed catches made him one of the league’s most recognizable stars.
His performance declined significantly after leaving New York. Brief stints with Cleveland lasted just a season-and-a-half before he bounced between the Rams (half a season), Ravens (2023), and finally the Dolphins (2024) – what appears to be the final chapter of his NFL career.
Financial Reality Check
Financial advisors often note that professional athletes face unique challenges managing sudden wealth – but few sympathized with OBJ’s specific complaints about “flaunting” expenses and the difficulty of stretching $60 million after taxes.
Many former NFL players have successfully transitioned to business careers or media roles after their playing days. Others have faced financial difficulties despite earning millions – though rarely while publicly lamenting the hardship of eight-figure contracts.
