Andrew Whitworth previously indicated that he wouldn’t retire following the season. However, when asked if he’d consider hanging up his cleats if the Rams win the Super Bowl, the left tackle hinted that he would think about calling it a career.
“What an unreal way to walk off,” Whitworth said when asked if he’d retire following a Super Bowl victory (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter). “I don’t think there’s anything else I would have to do.”
This runs counter to what we heard in December. Then, Whitworth said he wanted to keep playing for as long as possible, cautioning that he’d only retire if “the Rams can’t afford me” or “it doesn’t work out for the both of us for me to be back.” Whitworth is under contract through the 2022 season, when his cap hit rises from its current figure of $5.67MM to $14.67MM.
At that time, the 16-year veteran had just become the first left tackle to start an NFL game at the age of 40, and he was one of only two active players this year older than 40 (along with Tom Brady).
A Bengals second-round pick in 2006, Whitworth played in Cincinnati for the first 11 years of his career. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro has been with the Rams since 2017 and has consistently been one of the league’s pass protectors. Now, he’ll be looking to secure his first Super Bowl ring against his former squad, and a win could end up being the cherry on top of a standout career.
Consistently been “one of the league’s pass protectors.”? Isn’t that his job? As a offensive lineman I hope he is.
You should have just posted “first”. It would have been better than what you did post.
Is there really a doubt? 40 years old with no serious injuries, a beauty queen wife, four kids, and $100+ million in the bank. Dude – retire to the beach – you earned it.
He’s only 11 games shy of the elite 250 club. If Jason Peters can continue to chug along then Andrew should stick around as well.
What a terrible look this would be for the NFL if he retired after winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
I said at the time, he can’t win it because he’s likely going to retire if he wins the Super Bowl.
Wonder what the league is thinking for a replacement player to wear the iconic gold patch on their jersey next season?
And if you don’t think the NFL has a concern about this, you’re out of your mind.
I can’t tell if you’re joking or serious. The league will be just fine and his retirement won’t affect revenue, so why do you think they care so much?
The look for the NFL would actually be worse if they used “possible retirement” as a reason for denying players awards.
Goodell: “Hey, Aaron, there’s a rumor circulating that you may retire so we can’t possibly consider you for the MVP award”.