LA Rams: 15 greatest linebackers of All Time

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Carl Ekern does not get nearly enough recognition for the performance and positive impact that he made on the Rams franchise. But perhaps we can change that here. The team drafted Ekern with the 128th overall pick of the 1976 NFL Draft out of San Jose State. He joined a roster already packed with Jim Youngblood, Jack Reynolds, and Isiah Robertson on the team. So he was no more than a backup.

His spotlight began to shine in 1981 when his special teams play finally earned him playing time on the defense. He played as the middle linebacker that season, but the following year he transitions to a 3-4 inside linebacker under head coach Ray Malavasi. It was that role that seemed to unlock his best football play.

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He played 12 seasons for the LA Rams and earned just one Pro Bowl honor. Ekern’s life was taken tragically in 1990 in an automobile accident. As a result, the team established the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award that same year. The award is given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, ethic, and commitment to his teammates.

Defensive tackles were not recorded statistics in the NFL during Ekern’s playing days. In fact, many defensive statistics like interceptions, quarterback sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, tackles, and tackles for loss were only intermittently recorded during Ekern’s career, if at all.

But to appreciate the impact of Ekern, just roll a video of those games he played. You will find that he immediately catches your eye and attention. And the fact that he helped the Rams play in nine of his 13 NFL seasons tells you that he was certainly something special on the football field.