For some LA Rams players, Super Bowl LVI could be their last stand

The LA Rams are about to compete in Super Bowl LVI, their second such appearance in the past five seasons. But before you get used to the ability of the LA Rams to bounce back into the post-season competition so readily, I’m about to shock some of you.

It don’t come easy. You know? It don’t come easy.

The career of an NFL player is one that few NFL fans truly ponder. We see the strobe light flashes of highlight reels, read about the record-setting contracts that an NFL player signed with his team, and even face the misconception that every player in the NFL has multiple opportunities to win the Super Bowl in their career.

No. No. And oh hell no.

Each year, a new crop of NFL teams fires their coaching staff and starts the process all over again. Winning is everything, and many teams will be patient. Like 3-5 years patient. How bad does it get? The Philadelphia Eagles, winners of SB LII after the 2017 NFL season, fired their head coach Doug Pederson after the 2020 season. He delivered a Super Bowl, the first Super Bowl for the city of Philadelphia, but was deemed unfit to lead the team just three seasons later.

The NFL means Not For Long for a reason.

So while we sit back and cheer (or jeer) for the LA Rams, please try to consider just how much work, preparation, effort, sacrifice, and even injuries these players have endured in their careers just for the opportunity to compete in this game.