Odell Beckham Jr. is taking a pretty notorious number now that he’s signed with the Vikings’ practice squad.
The ex-Giants receiver will wear No. 9 in Minnesota, the number that was worn by J.J. McCarthy, who was taken 10th overall by the Vikings and was recently traded, ironically, to Big Blue in the wake of the season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart.
However, the receiver joked that the number choice was for another reason.
“The reason I picked 9 is Justin [Jefferson] got half his game from me,” Beckham joked with reporters on Wednesday amid an answer praising the fellow Vikings wide receiver.
The two receivers share a friendship, and Beckham was even teammates with Jefferson’s older brother, Jordan, for one season while at LSU.
Beckham had played at LSU from 2011-13 and played one season with Jordan as his quarterback.
“It’s amazing what he’s done. It’ll be amazing to get to see him up close and personal,” Beckham told reporters about Jefferson. “And also get to see what he’s going to do for the rest of is career, god willing. He’s got a chance to be the best to ever do it. It’s pretty special to be able to be here with him.”
Beckham added: “Just being able to see him since coming in those days at LSU, his big brother was my quarterback, so it’s a lot of history there. He’s been like family to me for a long time.”
Beckham’s addition to the Vikings’ practice squad gives Minnesota added depth.
Jefferson was limited in practice on Wednesday after missing Sunday’s game against Miami due to a sprained ankle. Jordan Addison did not practice as he’s been working through minor hamstring soreness.
Beckham began the season with the Giants, but was cut by the team on Sept. 29.
