There was plenty of speculation regarding the future of Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth going into the offseason.
The Rams signing Whitworth to a three-year contract last April provided them with some much-needed security up front. The veteran had even been playing some of the best ball of his career until a knee injury landed him on injured reserve for the last seven games of the regular season.
Whitworth managed to defy the effects of Father Time by returning just in time for the playoffs. It seems the challenges he overcame in his comeback helped nullify any lingering doubt about sticking around.
The 39-year-old admits that this was all the proof he needed to return for the 2021 NFL season, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
On returning for another season, Rams OL Andrew Whitworth said after having that hunger to return from his knee injury for the Rams' playoff run was when he knew he still wanted to continue playing football.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) June 1, 2021
Whitworth will once again be tasked with serving as a stabilizing factor for an offensive line that underwent some key changes this offseason with new coach Kevin Carberry and a new center in Austin Corbett. He feels this is a crucial period for Carberry, Corbett and the rest of this group to get on the same page:
Rams OL Andrew Whitworth says this time of the offseason is a "feeling-out" process for the unit, between new OL coach Kevin Carberry and Austin Corbett at center. For Corbett, focus is on the technical work, and Whitworth said he's assisted with that transition where he can.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) June 1, 2021
Whitworth is now poised for his most important job yet as the blindside protector for quarterback Matthew Stafford. He made it clear that he is all in on the team’s Super Bowl efforts after taking a pay cut in order to help the Rams to get under the salary cap.
The three-time All-Pro is slated to make some history this season as long as he stays healthy. Whitworth is set to make his 221st start to break a tie for the 10th most among offensive linemen in the season opener. He will also join elite company as one of the few players to play in their 40s once Week 14 rolls around.
Of course, all this pales in comparison to Whitworth’s desire to add that elusive Super Bowl ring to his Hall of Fame resume.
