That video, and all of the talk about passing the physical with the Falcons, makes me think the Rams organization knew Todd might have suffered a career-ending injury during the 2018 super bowl season. Some posters believe it was the eagles game... I thought it was the very first game of the season, against the Raiders. But the Rams had just guaranteed 50 million to Todd, and he hadn't even finished his first contract yet!
Maybe the rams only hope was to try and get a year or two more out of him, and hope he didn't break down along the way. So McVay barely used him, and that was obviously the plan all along. Heck, they even took away his captain's title at the BEGINNING of the season. Todd, being a competitor, wanted to try and keep playing. The Rams, trying to protect their investment and prolong his career, limited him physically (and emotionally). It kind of all makes sense now. And if Gurley has arthritis in that knee, and flunks the falcons physical, the Rams will owe him another 10 million in injury guarantees. Wow!
In my opinion, this was just bad luck for all involved. Gurley was the best back in football, and a class act... a great Ram! It was a dumb business decision to give him that second contract so early, but it was also the worst luck possible.
I really don't mind that Gurley can retire at 26 with 50 million dollars in the bank (plus his first contract at 14 mil). I think he earned it, from this fan's perspective. And what if the opposite happened... if Gurley had injured his knee, and the rams had not yet negotiated a second contract. I guess the Rams would be the lucky ones? Sometimes shit happens.
Best of luck to Todd Gurley! We'll miss ya! Thanks for the memories!