EAST RUTHERFORD -- Odell Beckham Jr.'s reputation outside of the Giants' Quest Diagnostics Training Center headquarters, is that of the poster-child for the TMZ culture of professional athletes, the working definition of a diva receiver, and a tabloid writer's dream.
However, it's difficult to envision the Giants intensifying talks on a long-term contract extension this week had it not been for a transformational offseason in which Beckham Jr. committed to not only participating in voluntary offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp, but also stepping up as a leader before reporting to training camp on time, despite the fact that he is entering the final year of his rookie contract.