Rams in Los Angeles: What Could Have Been? Todd Gurley, running back for the Los Angeles Rams, was THAT guy.
Ryan Dyrud
Reviewed on June 3, 2024
PARTNER
Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports is credited.
Todd Gurley, a former running back for the Los Angeles Rams, was a unique talent. Gurley shot to prominence in 2015 after the Rams selected him 10th overall, rushing for over 1,100 yards in just 12 starts during his rookie campaign. As a rookie, he was selected for the Pro Bowl, and his future appeared to be quite promising.
He struggled in his second season—his first in Los Angeles—as did the entire club, but especially the offense, and ended up finishing the season with less than 1,000 yards. Undoubtedly, the thrill persisted, but some of the luster had faded fast.
However, in Sean McVay’s debut season as head coach, that brilliance returned in a big way. He totaled 19 touchdowns and 2,093 all-purpose yards by the end of the season. He was voted the Offensive Player of the Year and came in second place behind Tom Brady in the MVP voting.
Related: Puka Nacua And Cooper Kupp Shatter Outlaw Country Concert
Todd Gurley appeared to be on his way to becoming the greatest running back in Rams history—a very prestigious distinction.
But just 2 seasons later, largely due to lingering knee issues, Gurley was released from the Rams and signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Having spent one season with the Falcons, he hasn’t participated in an NFL game since 2020.
This is the reason the image below is so amazing.
Quick reminder that Todd Gurley was that dude @TG3II pic.twitter.com/FMyDU5bECz
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) 3 June 2024
What Is Todd Gurley’s Position in the Los Angeles Rams’ Backfield?
Even though Todd Gurley hasn’t participated in a football game since 2020, he still has the seventh-most touchdowns scored since 2015. Actually, Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliott, and Christian McCaffrey are the only three running backs who rank higher than him. In case you forgot, Todd Gurley was a really good football player.
What if? In terms of the greatest Rams Running Backs of all time, Todd Gurley currently sits 5th in terms of yards with 5,404 yards (Steven Jackson is first with 10,138 yards). However, Gurley and Marshall Faulk are tied for first place in terms of rushing touchdowns with 58. In four seasons, Gurley accomplished this. You have to believe that he might have concluded his career as the best Rams running back ever if he had been able to play two or three more games.
To put even more things in perspective, Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson finished with 87 total touchdowns during his historic 4-year run, which included his record-breaking 31 total touchdowns in 2006.
Todd Gurley’s 79 is not that far off.
What if? Well, what was, was surely spectacular.
