Plenty of folks are picking the Los Angeles Rams to finish first in the NFC West this season. The team won the division last year with a 10-7 record, and an argument could be made that they have improved a bit.
They have essentially replaced oft-injured wide receiver Cooper Kupp with six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams, and they have a cadre of studs such as wideout Puka Nacua, running back Kyren Williams, defensive ends Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske and linebacker Jared Verse.
Adams will turn 32 years of age on Christmas Eve, and while it seems he has plenty left in his tank, others feel he’s on a downward trajectory. He recently made an appearance on “The Pivot Podcast” and explained when he’ll know it’s time for him to retire from the NFL.
“The moment that I cannot go out there and decide when I’m gonna impose my will on somebody, I won’t be playing anymore,” Adams said. “My pride, I’ve got too much of it to get out there and just have somebody putting their hands on me. … If that’s what’s happening to me, then just tell me ‘Hey, Te.’ Go and tap my shoulder and get (me) up out of there.”
Read more: 49ers’ Brock Purdy Gets Honest About Christian McCaffrey
Retirement is a major shift in people’s lives, whether they’re pro athletes or not. One must find something meaningful to fill his or her time with afterward, and if one isn’t able to do so, the result could be trying to return to one’s former career or simply going through life forlorn and feeling empty.
When Adams was younger, he was Aaron Rodgers’ No. 1 target on the Green Bay Packers. He exceeded the 1,300-yard mark four times and the 1,500-yard mark twice, and he led the league in touchdown receptions twice, which resulted in six straight Pro Bowl nods.
Adams was shockingly traded to the Las Vegas Raiders three years ago, and midway through 2024, he reunited with Rodgers following a trade to the New York Jets. Both the Raiders and Jets finished under .500 with Adams, and he’s finally back in a winning situation in L.A.
Read more: ESPN Offers Shocking Future Prediction for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray
One key Rams player who is likely closer to retirement than Adams is quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford led the Rams to the Super Bowl championship during the 2021 season, and while he has missed just three games over the last two years, the 37-year-old has been banged up since getting his ring.
Despite all the wear and tear he has, L.A. decided to give him a two-year contract extension this offseason. But he’s currently dealing with an aggravated disk in his back, and he hasn’t been practicing, let alone playing in preseason games.
For more on the Rams and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here
