New York Giants rookie receiver Odell Beckham, whose spectacular leaping one-handed sideline catch was among the NFL's most spectacular plays ever, has been called up to the Pro Bowl.
Beckham, seen as one of the biggest snubs when the original list for the all-star game in Arizona on January 25 was announced, comes in as an injury replacement for Detroit's Calvin Johnson.
"It is definitely awesome," Beckham said of making the elite game in his first NFL campaign.
"It is something that means a lot to me and I am definitely going to cherish the moment. I'm very excited to be going to the Pro Bowl."
Beckham is the first Giants rookie since tight end Jeremy Shockey in 2002 to reach the Pro Bowl, and the team's first debutant receiver ever in the contest.
Beckham set Giants rookie records with 91 receptions for 1305 yards and 12 touchdowns in only 12 games and had nine games in a row with 90 or more receiving years, matching an NFL record set by Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin in 1995.
But his season will be remembered most for one play in a 31-28 loss to Dallas, a one-handed touchdown grab while leaping backward at the goal line.
The astonishing play saw Eli Manning hurl a 43-yard pass to Beckham along the right sideline just a stride outside the front corner of the end zone
Beckham eluded Cowboys defender Brandon Carr, leaped backwards into the air and stretched out his right hand.
Using only three fingers, he brought the ball into his control and down to his chest while twisting his body so he landed in the end zone to complete the catch and score the touchdown.
Share
