Odell Beckham Jr.'s mother in New York City Marathon
Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Giants warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 12, 2014. Credit: Getty Images / Rich Schultz
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. isn't the only one in his family who can run.
The Giants rookie speedster's mother, Heather Van Norman, will compete in Sunday's New York City Marathon. It's the first marathon for the 45-year-old Van Norman, who is the track and field and cross country coach at Nicholls State University and was a six-time All-American at LSU.
"We have this ongoing bet," Beckham said. "She thinks she can beat me in the mile. I don't even know what I run a mile in, but I know I'm faster than my mom."
Because the Giants won't play until Monday night, Beckham hopes to be able to cheer his mother on Sunday -- or maybe even run alongside her for a while.
"I'm going to try and find her, maybe help her with that last stretch," Beckham said. "I know she'll make it, but I'm going to be there for her."
Blue notes
Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo on general manager Jerry Reese's statement that he wants the offense to be more aggressive: "We want to be more explosive. We are looking for explosive plays. We feel that are a part of great execution and extra effort. Regardless of how they come, you want to be more explosive." . . . Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had a second good day in practice, but coach Tom Coughlin said he still is unsure of the cornerback's status for Monday night's game against the Colts.
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
