He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, earning first-team All-American honors in 2007.
Beckum was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award and was named second-team All-American by Walter Camp and SI.com.
He was at his best in the biggest games, totaling 10 catches and 132 yards in a shootout against Michigan St, 11 for 160 at rival Illinois, and 9 for 140 at Ohio St. On October 26, 2008, Beckum broke his leg in a 27-17 win over Illinois, ending his senior season.
Despite his injury, the Giants won Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots 21-17.
On May 19, 2014, the Seattle Seahawks released Beckum along with Jimmy Legree to make room on the 90 man roster.