Odell Beckham Jr. has returned to the NFL spotlight after the Minnesota Vikings promoted him to their active roster on November 9, 2026, ahead of their game against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran wide receiver joined Minnesota following a brief return to the New York Giants earlier in the season. His move has also renewed interest in his family, particularly his parents, Odell Beckham Sr. and Heather Van Norman, who were both accomplished college athletes.
Born on November 5, 1992, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Beckham grew up surrounded by football and track and field. His father played running back at Louisiana State University, while his mother became one of the university’s most decorated sprinters. Their athletic achievements helped shape his development before he became one of the NFL’s most recognizable receivers.
Who Are Odell Beckham Jr.’s Parents?
Odell Beckham Jr.’s parents are Odell Beckham Sr. and Heather Van Norman. Both attended Louisiana State University, where they competed in different sports during the early 1990s.
His father represented the LSU Tigers football team from 1989 to 1992. His mother competed in track and field from 1991 to 1993, helping the university win multiple national championships.
The couple separated shortly after their son’s birth. Beckham was primarily raised by his mother, although both parents remained connected to his athletic development.
Van Norman later established a relationship with former Olympic sprinter Derek Mills, who became an important father figure during Beckham’s childhood.
Growing up in a family of athletes gave Beckham early exposure to competitive sports. He played football, basketball, soccer and ran track before concentrating on football.
His Father Odell Beckham Sr. Played Football at LSU
Odell Beckham Sr. was a running back for Louisiana State University during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
According to LSU’s official football records, he appeared in 28 games and started nine during his college career.
He finished with 757 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as a contributor to the Tigers’ offense.
Beckham Sr. also developed friendships with other LSU athletes, including future NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
His football background helped introduce his son to the sport at a young age.
Odell Jr. eventually followed his father’s path by attending LSU, where he played wide receiver from 2011 to 2013.
Their shared connection to the university became an important part of the family’s football history.
His Mother Heather Van Norman Was an Award-Winning Sprinter
Heather Van Norman was born in 1970 and grew up in Windom, Minnesota, where she became one of the state’s most successful high school track athletes.
She was adopted by Don and Millie Van Norman and developed an interest in running during childhood.
Between 1985 and 1988, she dominated Minnesota high school sprinting competitions, winning the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter events at the state championships in four consecutive years.
Van Norman initially attended the University of Minnesota before transferring to LSU.
At LSU, she became a six-time All-American and helped the women’s track team win five national championships, including two indoor titles and three outdoor titles.
She also won three individual NCAA titles as a member of LSU relay teams during her senior season in 1993.
Following her competitive career, Van Norman entered coaching and later worked with college track and field programs, including Nicholls State University.
Her achievements made her one of the most influential athletic figures in her son’s early life.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Stepfather and Siblings
Derek Mills, a former American sprinter, also played an important role in Beckham’s upbringing.
Mills won an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 4×400-meter relay at the 1996 Atlanta Games. He later became Van Norman’s longtime partner and helped raise Beckham.
In a 2013 interview, Van Norman described Mills as a major influence on her son.
“Derek basically has been Odell’s stepdad and a tremendous influence for him,” she said.
Beckham also has four younger half-siblings: Jasmyne, Kordell, Sonny and Summer.
Jasmyne is his maternal half-sister, while Kordell, Sonny and Summer are his paternal half-siblings.
Kordell Beckham gained wider public recognition after appearing on the sixth season of Love Island USA in 2024.
Despite their different careers and interests, the siblings have maintained family connections and supported Odell’s football achievements.
How His Parents Influenced His Football Career
Beckham attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, where he became a standout football player.
During his senior season, he recorded 50 receptions for 1,010 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also contributed as a runner, passer and defensive back.
His performances earned him a scholarship to LSU, where he developed into one of college football’s leading receivers.
In 2013, Beckham received the Paul Hornung Award, recognizing the nation’s most versatile college football player.
The New York Giants selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
He immediately established himself as a leading receiver, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.
His spectacular one-handed touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys became one of the most memorable plays of his career.
Beckham later played for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. He helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Family and NFL Career Today
Beckham became a father in February 2022 when he welcomed his son, Zydn Beckham, with his former partner Lauren Wood.
His parents have remained important figures in his life, although they generally maintain separate personal and professional interests.
On November 9, 2026, the Minnesota Vikings officially promoted Beckham from their practice squad to the active roster.
The move followed his release from the New York Giants in September, after he appeared in three games without recording a reception.
The Vikings signed him to their practice squad in October before adding him to the 53-man roster.
As of November 10, 2026, Beckham is beginning another chapter of his NFL career with Minnesota. His parents, Odell Beckham Sr. and Heather Van Norman, remain closely associated with the athletic family background that helped shape his development.
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