New York Giants

Odell Beckham's not a believer in the 'Madden curse'

Published May. 14, 2015 12:02 p.m. ET

foxsports

On Wednesday, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham edged out Rob Gronkowski in the fan voting to be named EA Sports' Madden 16 cover boy. At 22 years of age, Beckham becomes the youngest player to ever grace the cover of what has become the bible of NFL video games.

Beckham's honor was well deserved. As a rookie, after missing the first four games of the season due to a hamstring injury, Beckham racked up 1,305 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns on 91 receptions. He enjoyed seven 100-yard receiving games on his way to winning the NFL's Rookie of the Year honors.

Some believe that this honor comes attached with a curse to it. Several of Madden's past cover boys have endured injuries and poor play during the season where they were featured on the cover. Beckham is not one of those believers.

"I don't really believe in curses much” Beckham said, on ESPN, via Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News. “A curse is something somebody wishes upon you.”

Beckham's rise to fame his happened fast, but that doesn't mean he's unable to take a step back and enjoy the moment.

“I’m definitely excited," Beckham said on “SportsCenter.” “I’m definitely honored. It to me is just kind of mind-blowing still, thinking about playing one year of football and (being) given the opportunity to now be on the cover with all these (other NFL stars). I’m kind of at a loss for words.”

Beckham will look to improve on his rookie season with an additional year of experience in the NFL, with quarterback Eli Manning and in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's offense scheme.

(h/t Pro Football Talk)

Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports