On November 27, 2022, NFL wide receiver Odell Beckam Jr Airplane from Miami to Los Angeles. At the time, the 30-year-old was a free agent, recovering from a torn ACL, and reportedly in talks with teams about a return to the league.
Seated in first class, Beckham settled in under a blanket and drifted off to sleep before takeoff. What should have been a routine flight quickly turned into a headline-making incident.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Parents | Odell Beckham Sr., Heather Van Norman |
| Children | 1 son (born 2022) |
| Profession | NFL Wide Receiver |
| NFL Debut | 2014 (New York Giants) |
| Teams Played For | Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens, Dolphins |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 (Super Bowl LVI) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $40 million |
Crew Concerns Before Takeoff
As the plane taxied toward the runway, flight attendants tried to wake Beckham to fasten his seatbelt. According to a Miami-Dade Police Department report, he appeared to be “in and out of consciousness” and slow to respond.
With a cross-country trip ahead, crew members feared he might have a medical issue. Following airline safety protocols, the captain turned the plane back to the gate and called for paramedics and police officers.
Asked to Leave the Plane
When officers boarded the aircraft, they asked Beckham several times to deplane for a medical evaluation. The police report states he initially refused. Because of that, the crew decided to have all passengers deplane so the situation could be resolved without further disruption.
The decision delayed the flight and drew visible frustration from some travelers. In the bodycam footage released later, one passenger made a remark toward Beckham, prompting his now-famous reply:
“I would never ever in my life get off the plane for you… maybe for everybody else I would.”
Escort and Medical Check
Beckham eventually complied and left the plane without physical confrontation. Paramedics examined him and confirmed he was fine to travel.
He was escorted to a non-secure area of the terminal, where he arranged alternative travel. Beckham was not arrested or cited, and no further action was taken against him. The flight departed again about two hours later, without him on board.
Beckham’s First Response
Not long after, Beckham took to Twitter:
“Never in my life have I experienced what just happened to me… I’ve seen it alll.. comedy hr.”
The posts suggested disbelief and irritation, though he didn’t provide full details at the time.
Attorney Calls It “Completely Unnecessary”
Beckham’s attorney later issued a statement calling the removal “completely unnecessary.” He said Beckham had been sleeping under a blanket, as he often does, and was willing to fasten his seatbelt once awake. Instead, the crew insisted he leave the plane without offering that chance.
The statement stressed Beckham was never disruptive, and that he complied with officers when asked to exit.
Bodycam Footage Offers More Detail
When police bodycam footage became public, it gave more context to the incident. Officers approached calmly, noting Beckham “looked good” and was alert.
One flight attendant claimed she had to shake him awake and suggested he was wearing only underwear—something disproved by the footage, which clearly showed him wearing pants. Beckham appeared more annoyed with certain passengers’ comments than with the officers themselves.
Beckham Speaks Out in 2025
In a July 2025 interview with Haute Living, Beckham, now 32, discussed the incident in depth. He insisted he had done “nothing wrong” and explained the emotional backdrop: he was trying to get home to see his young son.
“I let my emotions get the best of me. I was definitely hot,” he said, acknowledging that his frustration boiled over. He also questioned how he could be described as “unconscious” while allegedly “refusing” instructions.
Who Is Odell Beckham Jr.?
Beyond the flight incident, Beckham is one of the NFL’s most recognizable figures:
- Full Name: Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr.
- Date of Birth: November 5, 1992 (Age 32)
- Height & Weight: 5’11”, about 200 lbs
- Family: Son of former LSU running back Odell Beckham Sr. and former LSU track star Heather Van Norman; father to a son born in 2022
- NFL Career: Drafted in 2014 by the New York Giants; also played for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams (winning Super Bowl LVI), Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins
- Stats (through 2024): 575 receptions, 7,987 yards, 59 touchdowns
- Endorsements: Nike (record-setting deal), Head & Shoulders, Lenovo, Foot Locker, Daniel Wellington
- Public Persona: Known for spectacular catches, bold fashion choices, and friendships with celebrities like LeBron James and Drake
Why This Story Resonated
The “Odell Beckam Jr airplane” captured public attention because it was both extraordinary and relatable. Many travelers have faced misunderstandings in airports or on planes—though not under the scrutiny of cameras and headlines.
For the airline, safety protocol was the priority. For Beckham, it felt like an overreaction to a harmless nap. The story sparked debate about how airlines handle suspected medical issues and how quickly small moments can escalate for public figures.
Lessons on Perception
This incident underscores how quickly perceptions form, especially for celebrities. A brief misunderstanding can be magnified by social media and the news cycle, often without the full context.
For Beckham, the incident became a reminder that life in the public eye means even private moments can be replayed, scrutinized, and judged.
A Human Moment
Despite his fame and athletic achievements, this was a moment where Beckham’s experience mirrored that of any traveler caught in a frustrating situation. A nap turned into a misunderstanding; a misunderstanding turned into a viral story.
In the end, there were no charges, no long-term consequences—just another chapter in Beckham’s life that blended sports, celebrity, and the unpredictability of travel.
FAQ’S
Q1: Why was Odell Beckham Jr. removed from the airplane?
He was removed because flight attendants believed he might have a medical issue after appearing unresponsive before takeoff. The captain returned to the gate, and police asked him to deplane for safety reasons.
Q2: Was Odell Beckham Jr. arrested after the incident?
No. Beckham was not arrested or charged. After leaving the plane, he was checked by paramedics, found to be fine, and made other travel arrangements.
Q3: What did Odell Beckham Jr. say about the situation?
Beckham later said he did “nothing wrong” and that the incident was blown out of proportion. He explained he was simply sleeping and became emotional when he thought he might miss time with his son.
Q4: Did the bodycam footage change public opinion?
The footage added more context, showing Beckham was alert when police arrived and wearing pants despite an attendant’s claim otherwise. It also captured tense exchanges with some passengers.
Q5: What is Odell Beckham Jr. best known for in his career?
He’s known for his spectacular one-handed catches, Pro Bowl seasons, and winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, as well as his bold style off the field.
