Contrary to Ray Lewis’ belief, Odell Beckham Jr.’s foundation does include a higher power.
After the Hall of Fame linebacker chastised the polarizing wide receiver Monday, claiming he’s let go of God and allowed “chaos” into his life, Beckham posted a video on Instagram hours later, taking a not-so-veiled shot at Lewis’ biting remarks.
“The foundation was installed at birth … we will survive and prevail … ALWAYS. God willing …,” Beckham captioned the clip, as he and loved ones bowed their heads in prayer.
After posting a selfie in January, the receiver wrote alongside the shot, “Immune to negativity…thanking the Lord for my serenity.”
Lewis alleged Beckham “started to distance himself” from religion, seemingly leading to a string of controversial events in the 25-year-old’s personal life, including a seven-second video featuring suspect substances.
“I started to see he started to distance himself a little more and a little more and a little more. Listen to me. I don’t care about religion. I’m talking about a foundation,” Lewis said on FS1 with Colin Cowherd.
“When your foundation is disturbed, when everything you are doing is the opposite of what got you to this place, then you are making your own life hard.”
After blasting Beckham’s inner circle, which includes fellow boat-hopper Justin Bieber, Lewis claimed the superstar’s behavior of late is a cry for help.
“We have a lot of people reporting about it. But it’s always been the duty of elders to go back to help. That’s why I raised my hand and told him, ‘I’m here whenever you need me,'” Lewis said.
Beckham arrived for the start of the Giants’ voluntary offseason program under new head coach Pat Shurmur on Monday.
“I think it’s important that Odell is here and I’m looking forward to him getting one day better by being here,” Shurmur said. “I’m looking forward to him inspiring some of his teammates to get better, because he’s here and he’s a terrific player.”
Beckham seeks a long-term deal overall, in hopes of being the league’s highest-paid player.