Odell Beckham Jr. has barely settled into the Minnesota Vikings’ locker room, but the LSU connection with Justin Jefferson is already producing plenty of entertainment. After signing with Minnesota’s practice squad Wednesday, Beckham was assigned No. 9. He immediately used the opportunity to joke with his fellow Baton Rouge standout.

According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, Beckham told Jefferson, who famously wears No. 18, “I chose 9 because you got half your game from me.”

The playful jab reflects the mutual respect between two of LSU’s most explosive NFL exports. It also highlighted Beckham’s unmistakable personality. Beckham helped redefine the modern wide receiver early in his career. Meanwhile, Jefferson has established himself as one of the league’s premier route runners since entering the NFL. The reunion could also become particularly important for Minnesota.

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The Vikings enter Week 5 at 4-0, but Jefferson is dealing with an ankle sprain. Jordan Addison is also nursing a hamstring injury. That potentially creates an immediate need for additional receiving depth. Beckham also reunites with Kevin O’Connell. The latter served as his offensive coordinator during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI run.

Beckham’s 2026 season has already taken several turns. After missing all of 2025, the 33-year-old returned to the Giants over the summer. However, his second stint in New York produced no receptions across three regular-season appearances before he was waived in late September. He quickly found another opportunity, joining Minnesota’s practice squad on October 7. Now reunited with O’Connell and offensive assistant Frank Smith, Beckham brings championship experience and veteran savvy to an undefeated Vikings team suddenly needing depth at wide receiver.