Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth recently announced his decision to retire from the NFL. While this was an expected choice, he had left the door open for a return in the weeks following the Rams’ win in Super Bowl LVI.
At age 40 after 16 NFL seasons, winning the Super Bowl felt like a perfect chance for Whitworth to step away. The two-time All-Pro first-teamer and four-time Pro-Bowler had a career that all offensive linemen can be envious of.
And while Whitworth took time away before officially announcing his decision, a recently released video shows that Whitworth knew all along that the Super Bowl was going to be his final game, via NFL Films:
"That was daddy's last football game."
Whitworth let his kids in on a little secret after #SBLVI ❤️ (via @nflfilms) pic.twitter.com/4JHQWEndDO
— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2022
The video shows Whitworth sitting with his four children following what could be described as the pinnacle achievement of his football career. There, he announced to his kids that he will no longer be playing football and plans to spend more time at home and “be a better dad.”
So although Whitworth made it seem as though his mind wasn’t 100% made up, he knew from the very end of the Super Bowl that he would not be returning to the Rams in 2022. Through this heartwarming moment captured by NFL Films, that decision was likely made even before the final game of his career.
NFL Films must also be credited for holding on to this video until Whitworth made his retirement official. They could have easily posted this in the weeks before the announcement but showed a high level of respect for the 16-year tackle.
Whitworth spent 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he made the postseason six times, had one of his two All-Pro seasons, and three of his four Pro Bowl appearances.
He then spent the final five years of his career with the Rams, where he got his remaining accolades, four more playoff appearances, and an NFL Championship in Super Bowl LVI.
Rams bring back three offensive linemen
Whitworth retired and Austin Corbett signed with the Carolina Panthers, but the Rams still managed to retain three key offensive linemen. The Rams are reportedly re-signing Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton, with the two formers to a three-year deal and the latter to a two-year deal.
