The start of the 2019 regular season is rapidly approaching with Week 1 just over two months away. The Los Angeles Rams were given no easy matchup in the season opener as they’ll have to travel across the country to face the Panthers in Charlotte.
To make matters worse, it’s an early 10 a.m. PT kickoff, which is always dreaded for West Coast teams. Todd Gurley isn’t fretting the long travel schedule to start the season and is instead excited about playing in front of family and friends.
Gurley grew up in North Carolina, attending Tarboro High School. He even got the key to Edgecombe County for his community work, so he has close ties to the area.
“I’m super-excited to play the Panthers in North Carolina,” he told Haute Living for a cover story. “It’s my first time going back home to play; I can’t wait for that. A bunch of my boys already texted me and are coming out―they already bought tickets.”
He credits his family and friends for keeping him on the right path, so having them in attendance will be uplifting.
“[Their encouragement] is a major key to keeping me straight,” he said.
The Panthers struggled last season, partly because Cam Newton was hardly himself due to an injured shoulder. He’s still recovering from surgery but he should be ready to go for Week 1 against the Rams.
Gurley is dealing with his own injury, albeit only a minor knee issue, but he’ll also be good to go for the season opener.
