Retirement became a multiple-used word following Los Angeles Rams practice on “Back Together Saturday” at UC Irvine, with Sean McVay and Aaron Donald addressing that word with reporters.
Sean McVay Addresses Sony Michel Decision and State of RB Room
Following what became a spirited practice in front of fans, the seven-year head coach went straight into discussing Sony Michel being absent.
“He’s retiring,” McVay said, who added to the L.A. media that he had a conversation with Michel before Saturday’s session before the two-time Super Bowl champion decided to call it a career. McVay, though, revealed that Michel’s decision has more to do with health.
“It’s a bummer. His body’s feeling like it’s talking to him, and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the competitor that he is and love Sony,” McVay said while adding how Michel was “the epitome of a pro.”
Michel ends his career with 3,243 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 439 receiving yards, two more touchdowns, and winning his last Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021.
So how does McVay feel about the rest of the RB room, which is now down to Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers, and rookie Zach Evans? Will he and the Rams be forced to add to the room with the sudden change from Michel?
“You know, that’s a good question. I think there’s a possibility, but I feel really good,” McVay stated. “You guys know the way I feel about Cam (Akers) and especially how he finished up, and he’s picked up right where he left off last year and doing a lot of good things.
“Kyren Williams has really been a bright spot from the offseason and continuing that on in the early parts of camp. I’ve seen good things from Zach Evans and then Ronnie Rivers, so all four of those guys right now at running back have done a good job. But I do think, whether it’s a veteran or not, you definitely probably need to add a fifth body to that room, maybe even a sixth, so we’ll look to add somebody.”
Aaron Donald Addresses Michel and the Word ‘Retirement’
Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald admitted he wasn’t aware of Michel retiring when he addressed reporters.
“Really? Oh man,” Donald began. “Well, I wish the best for him, and I’m pretty sure he made the best decision for him and his (family).”
Meanwhile, Donald has heard that word aplenty the last two offseasons — and that includes before Super Bowl 56. And again, he got asked about the certain R-word.
“I’m just here today and just focused on what I got to do today. I’m not really worried about what’s next right now,” Donald said.
“I’m just in this camp moment trying to get myself going. I haven’t played football in a while [Donald is coming back from a high ankle sprain], so I’m trying to knock the rust off. And at the same time, I got a bunch of new guys I’m playing with, so we are trying to get everything clicking so come game time, it’s where we want to be.”