If you grew up in the 70’s, you remember Ernie Shavers. He was a top contender for the heavyweight championship for several years. He had many notable matches, with one in particular against Muhammad Ali. He beat Ali that night and knocked him down (Ali), but didn’t knock the champ out and lost in a split decision. It was such an injustice in my young mind that I hated Ali for a long time after that. Ernie was a soft spoken giant of a man with a shaven head that even Ali used to say was the hardest puncher he ever faced. It’s speculated that Ali‘s speaking problems developed because of brain damage suffered after fighting Shavers…

Anyway, Rest In Peace, Mr Shavers.

Where are they now? Former Rams RB & NFL touchdown leader Greg Bell​

After three-plus years, and leading the Bills in rushing two seasons, Greg Bell wanted to leave Buffalo in 1987 for greener pastures. Literally.

"I had tried to put a deal together to go to Miami," said Bell, who was a first-round draft choice out of Notre Dame and Pro Bowler in 1984. "I just wanted to be on natural surface. I had torn my abdomen on the bad turf that Buffalo had back then.

"We had tried to put together a trade in our same division and Buffalo didn't want to deal with that. We were just hoping that we could get into a deal. Not caring really what the principal parts of it were, just as long as I was getting out of Buffalo, and getting off the turf."

Bell got what he wanted, and the Rams' trick-or-treat bag was stuffed following a Halloween day three-team blockbuster.

The Indianapolis Colts traded rookie hold-out linebacker Cornelius Bennett to the Buffalo Bills for a first-round pick in 1988, first- and second-round picks in 1989, and Bell.

The Colts then traded Bell, the three draft choices acquired from Buffalo, plus first- and second-round picks in 1988, a second-round pick in 1989, and running back Owen Gill to the Rams for Eric Dickerson.

"It was a three-way deal that was going to benefit all three sides," Bell said. "I knew what I was capable of doing. I knew what Eric was capable of doing. The question mark probably was what was 'Biscuit' [Bennett] going to be? But he was one of the top college players, so we knew he was going to probably be a great player, as well."

Excited to be joining the Rams and looking forward to playing on the grass field at Anaheim Stadium, Bell wasn't initially certain if head coach John Robinson shared the same feeling.

"No one called me. Nothing," Bell said. "My first talking to John Robinson is when I flew out here. It was just crazy. John had no anticipation. He was taking what he got delivered.

"He drafted Eric because he wanted Eric. And to lose a premier back at that time probably was going to disappoint anybody, especially a guy like John Robinson, who loved running the ball.

"He said Charlie (White) was playing very well for him at that time and, 'We're going to keep going with what we've got. And where you can fit in, you'll fit in.'"

In 1988, his first full season with the Rams, Bell fit in and then some. Rushing for a team-high 1,212 yards, he led the NFL with 16 touchdowns.

"I knew I would be a large part of the offense because of John Robinson," Bell said. "John loved running the ball. No matter how much Jim Everett's development was coming and things of that nature, we're still talking about John Robinson. The student body right, student body left, counter trey, that was his history. So I knew I was going to get an opportunity to carry the ball."

The opportunities continued the following season when Bell again rushed for a team-high 1,137 yards and led the league with 15 touchdowns.

That was also the year Los Angeles posted an 11-5 record and reached the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco. How they got there is among Bell's fondest memories as a Ram.

"Going back to Philadelphia to play (in the NFC Wild Card Game) after just beating the New England Patriots (in Foxborough, MA in the regular-season finale), to this day, they say that's the greatest defense in NFL history. But then we must have been the greatest offense because we put something on Buddy Ryan's defense that made him stop talking for a while," Bell said of the 21-7 victory, when he rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown.

"I laugh because you turn around the next week and go and play against the second-greatest defense, the New York Giants (in the divisional round). I remember L.T. [Lawrence Taylor] before that game, 'Yeah, we're going to have to put a lockdown on Greg. We're not going to let him run like he did against Philadelphia.'

"But then what tends to shut people up a lot of times is that they forgot that we had a wide receiver who should be in the Hall of Fame, Henry Ellard. And you had Flipper Anderson and Aaron Cox and Ron Brown. We had more speed than they had ever seen before.

"I think about that team and I hate to say that we were the second-best team in the league. But other than the 49ers, we pretty much had a lock on beating pretty much everyone else. I wish we could have completed it, won for the city of Los Angeles."

The father of three adult children: Chanel, LeShon, and Rami; Bell remained in Southern California following his seven-year career with the Bills, Rams, and Raiders, and makes his home in Santa Barbara.

After working with New York governor Mario Cuomo and the Athletes Against Drunk Driving and Drug Prevention, and with Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No," Bell founded the Athletes for Life Foundation in 1989.

"I had a traumatic situation hit me where one of my closest friends on Earth, Stacey Toran, who was an all-star strong safety for the Raiders, killed himself in a drunk driving accident," Bell said. "I decided at that point, that if somebody that close to me wasn't hearing the message, I needed to do something for myself.

"And so that's how the mission of Athletes for Life got started, as an anti-drunk driving and drug provision. Really, because I lost my best friend to a drunk driving accident that I wish I could have helped him avoid."

In 2000, after meeting with school superintendents across the country, Bell widened the focus of the foundation. Its mission stayed the same, to help kids live their dreams and live an alcohol- and drug-free life, but it also began getting into educational services and having after-school programs for school districts in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. And there's a possibility it will expand to the Long Beach and Carson areas this coming school year.

"So many kids have all been educated – go to college, go to college, go to college. And we're starting to see now in our society because of technology, there's a fortitude of kids who are going straight from high school into the job force because they've got that gift. And so we're trying to help bring back programs like electronic tech positions, mechanics, carpentry, plumbing," Bell said.

"We work with ROP [Recreational Occupational Programs] here in Southern California. It's really a great program for kids who are non-traditional, that group of kids who are great at what they do with their hands. They could be great floorers. Contracting work is probably the No. 1 work in America right now. You can't find enough of them.

"It blew me away when the guy from Keller Interiors said, 'Greg, if I can get kids to be interested in flooring, I'll guarantee them a starting salary at $95,000. I'm dead serious. I need floorers. The more I get, the more I can work. I just don't have enough manpower.'"

FOOTBALL!!!



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Setting the example: The steady leadership of Rob Havenstein

Setting the example: The steady leadership of Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein

Right tackle Rob Havenstein takes over as the new elder statesman of the Rams' offensive line room with a even-keeled, example-setting presence.

Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald was making an appearance on the I Am Athlete podcast earlier this summer when he was asked about under-the-radar leaders on the team.

One of them was outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. The other?
Right tackle Rob Havenstein.

It might not catch the attention of many, or at least most fans' and of the general public's, but Havenstein's leadership, and the steady, even-keeled presence that comes with it, has been noticeable to anyone who's been around him.

And it was made possible by those who set the example for him, much like he tries to do today.

After an organized team activity session this spring, Havenstein is asked about making up the gap created by the retirement of veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth.

Now the new elder statesmen of Los Angeles' offensive line room, Havenstein tells the reporter Whitworth can't be replaced, and that it would take the power of the group to make up for his departure. Everyone would take that next step in their leadership, and do it in their own way.

Havenstein shaped his approach from several influences in his life, like his high school coach, Frederick (Maryland) Linganore High's Rick Conner. In college, it was Wisconsin teammates like Travis Frederick (a future NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl center), Ryan Groy, and Rick Wagner – all players who led by example.

"There's juice guys, and that can't be faked," Havenstein toldtheRams.com. "Sometimes when guys aren't juice guys and they talk a lot, it's kind of more just dead noise. So I've always wanted my words to mean something."

Expanding on that idea, Havenstein noticed from his and Whitworth's first season together onward how Whitworth could both lead by example and have his words carry weight.
"He spoke when necessary, he spoke when needed. He had an uncanny ability for that," Havenstein said. "He really led by example. He went out there and just did it first. You could never say, 'Hey, I'm out-working Andrew right now,' you know? That's something I hope I'm bringing right now."

With his experience and resume – he's started 109 games across the regular season and playoffs through seven seasons – it hasn't been difficult for younger players to follow his lead.

"He's been around, he's been a starter since he's been here, and he's had success," Rams left tackle Joe Noteboom said. "Just the way he works, you can't help but just try to do what he does because, day in and day out, on and off the field, he's a great guy to have leading our room now."

What started as a way to provide parking for their families grew into a meaningful day-before-game ritual for home games for Havenstein and left guard David Edwards.

"Our families go down, we really only get kind of the one parking pass," Havenstein explains. "We want them to use the one parking pass, so we all ride down together, and then we split off with the families going the other way. It just turned into one of the highlights of Saturday, going down and just cranking some tunes, having a good time, or even on some games, depending on how late they are, just riding back together, talking about the day, what happened. Just bonding, doing guy stuff."

Edwards – who is now in his fourth season – cherishes that time, because it allows him to pick Havenstein's brain about what's going on in football, what's going on the world, or what's going on with family (they both have two daughters).

It's also time that, given the hectic nature of an NFL schedule, isn't always easy to come by.
"It's just a time I really look forward to because you don't really get that here at the facility or in downtime," Edwards said. "Really special and unique."

The overall impact is one Edwards compares to a "big brother," in terms of Havenstein being an experienced colleague that he has been able to lean on since his rookie year. It also helps, too, that both are Wisconsin products.

"I'm so grateful for him, because when I came in as a rookie, I wanted to be like him, you know what I mean?" Edwards said. "So I don't tell him too often, but I look up to him."

Havenstein's accessibility isn't just limited to those car rides. Edwards said that if a player has a question, Havenstein is more than willing to help and give a good answer. They are five years apart in age, but Havenstein has never treated Edwards – nor any other young offensive lineman – lower because of the difference.

"I think that's what makes him special, is that he is a great way of connecting with everybody," Edwards said. "And he doesn't make anybody feel lesser-than."

Long after the Rams' Aug. 15 training camp practice at their facility has ended, Havenstein is on the field with multiple Rams offensive linemen, including rookies A.J. Arcuri and Logan Bruss.

These post-practice workshops, which Havenstein calls "o-line therapy sessions," are a way for the group to troubleshoot together. Ever been in class and a lesson is being taught a certain way over and over, but then a friend explains it to you differently and suddenly it clicks? That's what's happening here.

In this instance, Havenstein is lending his experience and expertise to working Arcuri and Bruss through run-blocking technique in the Rams' offense.

Havenstein had older players do the same for him when he was younger, telling him what to do when he had questions and didn't understand what was going on, or pulling him aside when he was struggling and helping him get better.

"I feel like I at least somewhat know what I'm talking about now," Havenstein said with a smile. "So if I see a young guy making the same mistakes I've made or I've seen before, it's just easier to go ahead and address that. Maybe it's showing them how it's done, but it's more talking through it and how I understand certain things and certain body positions for offensive linemen, specifically."

That process also includes introspection from Havenstein, too.

During the time the two of them played together, Whitworth saw "the constant maturity" from Havenstein to figure out the next step he can take to elevate his game.

"I think some guys get to a point where they play, and it's like, 'I'm content with just getting on the field and trying to chase just playing time,'" Whitworth toldtheRams.com. "And then there's guys who get out there, experience it, have a level of success and go, 'I want to sustain this for a long time. How do I do that?' And I think that's something Rob has done a great job of continuing to (go), 'Hey, what's a little nugget that I can find and add to my game to help me be successful?'"

Those qualities are what have made, and will continue to make, people follow Havenstein's lead.

"When you start from a place of, there's a ton of pride, and a ton of just want to and passion to be really good at what you do, that's gonna exude other people," Whitworth said. "When you start from there, people are gonna listen to him, understand where he's coming from immediately, because they see the work, they see the passion, the want-to to be really good."

If Havenstein's leadership was under-the-radar before, it isn't now. On Friday, he was voted a team captain by his teammates for the first time in his career – adding to a resume that includes 109 career starts across the regular season and playoffs.

"At the end of the day, I truly want what's best for guys," Havenstein said. "Trying to not help guys because I think they're a threat or whatever – if somebody's going to be better than me, I want that competition 100 percent of the way, but I want everyone in the room to realize what's best for them."

The proverbial torch was in the process of being passed before the Rams' Super Bowl LVI-winning playoff run, when, prior to the playoffs, Whitworth told Havenstein that this would be the last time they would be playing together, and shared some emotional moments together during that run.

Count Whitworth among those excited for Havenstein to take ownership over the offensive line room.

"Now, to have a chance to watch him be that guy for that group, it's gonna be emotional for me all over again," Whitworth said. "I'm just proud of who he is as a person and how he does and goes about his work. It's gonna be a lot of fun to watch."

Rams announce team captains for 2022, including Bobby Wagner​

With less than a week until kickoff against the Buffalo Bills, the Los Angeles Rams have named their team captains for the 2022 season. Matthew Stafford, of course, is a captain again in his second year with the Rams.

Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are captains this season, too; they were all voted captains in 2021. Newcomer Bobby Wagner was voted a captain in his first season with the Rams, hardly a surprise for the All-Pro linebacker. Rob Havenstein is the sixth and final captain, his first time being voted one.

The loss of Andrew Whitworth, a perennial captain in Los Angeles, hurts the locker room. Johnny Hekker and Robert Woods were both captains last season, as well, but are no longer in Los Angeles. However, there’s no lack of leadership on this team.

That’s very evident with the current group of captains
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Didn't see it posted yet, but sorry if it's old news.

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I've liked Hardy since the draft. His ankle will likely keep him from seeing significant snaps (barring injuries in front of him) for at least until after the bye in week 7. After that, it should be rotational duties behind Floyd.

It's Hardy's role next year that's going to be interesting. This year will be basically a redshirt year for him. To ensure his ankle is completely healed and developing. One aspect of his game needs to be is to show he can drop into coverage and not be a liability.

If he can show that in camp I think he can be a starter at DE opposite Floyd in 2023 or 2024. That would depend upon how Lewis is playing. IMO Terrell must show more than flashes this year. He must be able to play without a snap count. That said unless Terrell plays beyond what he has I think Hardy can be his replacement and at the very least play rotationally behind Floyd and Hollins.

Hardy brings athleticism and especially speed that is lacking in Lewis. I think ultimately he is capable of being a 6-9 sack a year type of starter at edge. Lewis is not only limited by snap count he's a liability in coverage. That is why Hollins remains on the field when Lewis plays. At the very least Hardy could provide the Rams with good depth behind both Floyd and Hollins. IMO Lewis has not really earned his roster spot. This is his year to break out or he's gone in 2024 if not before. IMO drafting Hardy was targeted specifically at Lewis.

When the Rams traded for Von Miller last year, the pass rush really took off last year, right?

Well…

The numbers don’t really back up that assertion.

The Rams played the first 9 games without Miller. During that span, they registered 28 sacks, or 3.11 per game.

With Miller, the Rams played 12 games, including the playoffs. During that span, they registered 34 sacks, or 2.83 per game.

So, in actuality , the Rams averaged more sacks/game without Miller.

While that does not necessarily tell the whole story (different opponents, regular season vs. playoff football, etc.), it is nonetheless noteworthy.

But Miller really increased the production at his EDGE spot, right?

Well… yes, but maybe not as much as you’d think.

Before Miller arrived, the EDGE spot opposite Leonard Floyd generated 6 sacks in 9 games (.66 per game) from the platoon of Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

Miller registered 9 sacks in 12 games (.75 per game).

So, I’m not saying that Miller wasn’t a great addition, or that I wouldn’t prefer he had stayed. But the Rams ability to get to the QB (lead by Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd) was not the sole product of his contributions, by any means. Our pass rush should be fine without him.

Disclaimer: I haven't seen multiple sources confirm this (yet). But could Gisele be pissed about her hubby's decision to "un-retire"? Sounds quite plausible IMO.

at SoFi.

Also, some sort of Ring of Honor will be started with Coach Vermeil on the Thursday Night Opener. THIS will be epic.

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This was on his podcast apparently.



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This adds a little spice to the Sunday lineup. Gotta say I hope it happens, just to watch the reactions in the media.

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We watched Gaines become a Baller together.
Hell of a inside presence.
But the thing that shocked my pants off was his Speed
Seeing him run down players who at the beginning of his rise
I thought there is no way in hell he's catching that guy.
Has the be one of the fastest NT's in the game.

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shout out to twotutus for vid

In essence, the Rams have 7 new starters (not including special teams). Are they improvements, downgrades, neutral, or just big question marks.

Here are my expectations:

Running Back (RB1): Cam Akers replaces Sony Michel
This one is tough, as we really have not seen Akers at 100% since late 2020. If he's now all the way back, I think he brings more to the table than Michel did in 2021. I'm cautiously optimistic on this one being an upgrade.

Wide Receiver (WR2): Allen Robinson replaces Robert Woods/Odell Beckham, Jr.
The Woods injury and addition of OBJ makes this one something other than a one to one comparison (as does the prospect of OBJ returning). That said, I think Robinson brings an element that will be huge for us given his size and elite 50/50 ball ability. Stafford gets a guy other than Cooper Kupp who can bail him out of tough spots. He should also be a Red Zone beast. Overall, a potential upgrade (and certainly one if we add OBJ late again).

Left Tackle: Joseph Noteboom replaces Andrew Whitworth
Its hard not to see this as a downgrade, but it might not be a big one. While Noteboom won't be the veteran leader that Whitworth was, he does have less miles on his tires. If he can play like he did in the playoff game against Tampa, we'll be fine.

Right Guard: Coleman Shelton replaces Austin Corbett
When the offseason started, the Rams needed to lock in Noteboom (as Whit was retiring), and also had to decide what to do about their starting center (Brian Allen) and RG (Corbett) being FAs. They allowed Corbett to leave. That suggests that he was viewed as highly replaceable. Of course, some will assert that it was Logan Bruss who was supposed to take this spot, but it seems that, even before the injury, Shelton was outplaying him. Complete question mark as to how this will play out.

Inside Linebacker: Bobby Wagner replaces Troy Reeder.
Do I even need to comment? Huge upgrade.

Edge Rusher: Justin Hollins/Terrell Lewis replace Von Miller
Obviously a downgrade. I am hopeful, however, that Lewis has some upside if he can stay healthy.

Cornerback (CB2): Troy Hill/??? replaces Darryl Williams
I put Hill there as a placeholder. His role may be more of nickel CB in the end. The Rams have several intriguing candidates for the CB2 role, including second year man Robert Rochell and rookies Decobie Durant and Derion Kendrick (along with veteran David Long). I feel as though the player who emerges will be superior to the version of Williams we saw in 2021. The CB depth, in my mind, has definitely been upgraded.

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Knew it was going to happen at least it isn't fully guaranteed.

Would really like to see some other RAMS FANS opinions on who they thought were the biggest surprises (Both on the players that made the Final Roster and those who didn’t).

The incredible origin stories of young Aaron Donald

Insightful article....

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I think this guy is deserving of his own thread.

He looked like a developing monster in preseason last year.

And now he gets cut and isn't even invited back for the practice squad!

Thoughts?

I've made no bones about what a fucking poser I've always known this pos is since ROD began in 2010. Just when I thought this dirtbag couldn't sink any lower... well... he managed to.

He's not just a complete piece of shit... he's pathetic.

In case you missed this yesterday...

My son and I flew down to LA to pick up his car that was shipped from Germany when he got out of the Air Force.

So being that we couldn't go to a game, we did the stadium tour. $25 each and well worth it. We were the last tour of the day so instead of an hour tour, the guy took us to a few extra places and it lasted 2 hours.

Very cool. We got to go into the broadcasting booth, Vin's office, the executive lounge, etc.

The Rams have not had a first round pick since 2016, and they've traded several Day 2 picks as well in the last 6 drafts.

Nonetheless, 26 of the Rams' 53 players currently on the roster are selections from this "F Them Picks" Era. Here's the breakdown:

2022: 4 players (plus 3 on reserve status)
2021: 5 players (plus 1 on reserve status)
2020: 7 players
2019: 7 players
2018: 2 players (plus 1 on reserve status)
2017: 1 player

Among these draftees are 14 starters/primary rotation players: Cooper Kupp, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Taylor Rapp, Darryl Henderson, David Long, Greg Gaines, David Edwards, Nick Scott, Cam Akers, Van Jefferson, Terrell Lewis, Jordan Fuller and Ernest Jones.

Pretty impressive.

I’d spin the wheels on Howard as the third TE. He hasn’t lived up to his draft status but as a backup he’s intriguing. Still young and very athletic. Also a big body, dude is massive. Thoughts?