LA Rams: 2021 could be Andrew Whitworth’s farewell tour

Whenever a legendary entertainer is about to step away from the stage, they offer their fans one more round of concerts to give everyone who so chooses to do so to come out and be entertained once more. While the NFL is a bit different in some regards, the same principles apply whenever one of the great players is about to undertake his last season. Perhaps not known to all, but to NFL fans, the name Andrew Whitworth is recognizable as one of the best to play the game. Not only due to the quality, but his longevity at doing so.

It appears as though that decision, while not officially made just yet, is as close to reality as we can confirm.  LA Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth will turn 40 years old this year. Father Time and Big Whit are walking in step right now. It appears as though this season may be the last year for Andrew Whitworth to put on the horns.  A mentor, a leader, a professional, a father, a gentleman, a good friend, and a philanthropist, Andrew Whitworth in about one year from turning the page to a new chapter. He vowed to overcome a meniscus injury and play on to the ripe old age of 40.

This year, he turns 40. Beyond that? Many believe he will retire. Winning the Super Bowl in 2021 suddenly became even more urgent.

Was that the plan all along? Newly acquired veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford talked about urgency upon his arrival to the Rams.  We know that the term urgency has been echoed by players and coaches throughout OTAs so far. We also know that the LA Rams All-Pro Aaron Donald had a very personal and emotional reaction to losing in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.

The team has taken plenty of steps to put itself into a position to compete for a Super Bowl berth once more.  As long as the roster avoids prolonged injuries or injuries to key players, they should be able to control their own destiny. How ironic that the NFL season has been increased to 17 games this year.  It’s almost as though the entire NFL is as reluctant to bid farewell to Big Whit as we are.