3 reasons why LA Rams must re-sign FA OT Andrew Whitworth

Reason 2: Whitworth willingly mentors younger players

The LA Rams started two new offensive linemen in 2019. By mid season, those two were replaced by two new players. With each new iteration of the offensive line, new players leaned heavily upon the veterans who would give them queues, coach them up, encourage them after a missed assignment, and celebrate with them on a great play.

Whitworth was there each time.  David Edwards gave a post season interview to LA Rams team reporter Sarina Morales, and he had this to say about “Big Whit”

“Whitworth’s been great” – offensive guard David Edwards

Edwards was not the only offensive lineman to benefit from Whitworth’s mentoring. The Rams offensive line was a patchwork quilt in terms of players slotted in for the offensive line.

Another such transplant was guard Austin Corbett, whom the Rams had traded to obtain from the Cleveland Browns mid-season due to the rash of injuries.  He too was interviewed by team reporter Sarina Morales, and his endorsement of Whitworth was even more complimentary:

"“Sarina: Who is the key teammate that you go to throughout all of this change?……………. Austin: I mean, [Andrew Whitworth has] just been phenomenal. You can’t ask for a better guy and just be able to play next to him now. Just the knowledge that he has and just can’t thank him enough. He’s done a lot for me and it’s been phenomenal.“"

These are just two young players experiences. It was that kind of season where there were more coachable moments than coaches.  Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth took it upon himself to own those moments to the new Rams.

That is the type of selflessness which binds a group of players togetheer into a team.