Rams coach Sean McVay announces running back Sony Michel will retire but why?
Though shocking, the Rams star’s decision is by no means surprising given the physical tax that’s associated with his position. It’s a sad day for the Rams.
As young as he may be, it appears the Rams running back has decided to listen to the voice of that which matters most: his body. With that, the decision to call time on his brief career is completely understandable, and it’s not like he’s walking away empty-handed.
Rams’ Sean McVay reveals running back Sony Michel will retire
On Saturday, Rams coach Sean McVay opened his press conference with an announcement that nobody saw coming: Running back Sony Michel has decided to retire. McVay went on to explain that Michel had in fact informed him during a meeting earlier that day.
“We got a chance to meet [Saturday] morning and he was just kind of letting me know how his body was feeling and just some of his thoughts,” McVay said. “And I think the most important thing is that he has clarity and feels at peace with the decision and what a competitor. I was sad for us, but I was happy for him and I know he gave a lot to this game and he can be really proud of everything that he’s done and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next in his next chapter.” Interestingly, Michel’s move comes just one month after he decided to return to the Rams. Indeed, following a Super Bowl win with the Rams in 2021, Michel signed with the Chargers in 2022 before finally re-signing with the Rams last month.
Short but Sweet: Sony Michel’s career was impressive
While his career in the NFL lasted just five seasons, it’s safe to say that Michel made the most of them as he leaves the game with two Super Bowl rings. That’s right. Aside from the aforementioned triumph in 2021, Michel also played for the New England Patriots in 2018 - his rookie season - and ended the campaign playing in the 13-3 victory over the said same Rams in Super Bowl LIII. The Patriots of course had selected the running back in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and it turned out to be a very good choice.
Across his maiden season, he led the team in rushing with 931 yards, while in the postseason he went even further with six rushing touchdowns in the three games he played, including the single touchdown scored in the Super Bowl by both teams. To be clear, Michel’s six TDs are still tied as the second-most in NFL history for a single postseason, behind only Terrell Davis, who posted eight in 1997. Following three seasons with the Patriots, Michel was then traded to the Rams shortly before the 2021 season kicked off. Needless to say, the move paid off as he would win his second Super Bowl when the Rams beat the Bengals 23-20. “He was a hugely instrumental piece for our Super Bowl team a couple years ago,” McVay said Saturday.
So, why is Sony Michel retiring?
Now you’re probably wondering how is it that a player who is very much still in his prime, and as recently as 2021 led the Rams in rushing yards with 845 while finishing second on the team in rushing touchdowns, could be retiring. According to McVay, the answer is simple: Sony Michel’s body has told him that its had enough. “It’s a bummer, but his body’s feeling like it’s talking to him, and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the competitor that he is,” McVay said. With that, Michel will bring the curtain down on a career that saw him register 3,342 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground while also making 56 catches for 439 yards and two TDs through the air.