Football superstar Odell Beckham Jr. is usually known for his flashy pre-game sneakers, but even pro athletes are known to keep it under budget now and again.
During a sideline interview at the Baltimore Ravens preseason opener versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, the all-pro wide receiver shafted his once-ubiquitous sponsor, Nike, and was spotted wearing a pair of sneaks that will be familiar to most runners: the Brooks Launch 10, in the brand’s “Green Gecko” colorway.
Beckham, who hasn’t played in the NFL since the Super Bowl in 2021 after sustaining a knee injury, didn’t suit up for the win on Saturday, opting instead for an athleisure-inspired fit of a team-branded Nike Dri-FIT shirt and shorts paired with the green Brooks, and of course, a Ravens snapback over his bright purple hair. Clearly showing that, while he may have switched both teams and sneaker brands this offseason, his bold personality is still intact.
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Beckham’s outfit may be surprising, seeing as the Ravens’ new receiver is currently in a lawsuit with Nike. He accuses the sportswear giant of withholding at least $20 million in guaranteed royalties from his five-year sneaker deal with the company.
Despite his collection of rare sneakers worth a small fortune, Beckham’s much more modest pair worn over the weekend are available on the Brooks website for a mere $110. The Launch 10 is also one of our top picks from Brooks in 2023, featuring a revamped knit upper, creating a more secure fit around the foot, and a collar designed to pull away from the heel, reducing rubs and irritation. The shoe’s outsole also has plenty of rubber for traction and durability.
While they may not be ready to see the NFL field, Beckham’s new kicks will definitely serve him well during his next outdoor run—or at least the next sideline interview.
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Condé Nast Traveler and was most recently the senior editorial director at TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
