Todd Gurley is really going to miss Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan.
The Los Angeles Rams opted not to bring back either offensive lineman this year, allowing Saffold to sign with the Titans in free agency and declining Sullivan’s option for 2019. Their departures have left gaping holes on the interior offensive line, holes which will likely be replaced by second-year players Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen.
Gurley spent the last two years with Sullivan and each of his four years in the NFL with Saffold on the offensive line, so it’ll be quite the change up front. Both veteran linemen taught Gurley a lot, which he’s greatly appreciative for.
At the Gatorade Player of the Year awards on Tuesday, Gurley reflected on the losses of Saffold and Sullivan and what he’s going to miss about them not being around.
“Our off days together. It was cool, they taught me so much. To be able to be with Saffold my three times rushing for 1,000 yards and Sully to expand my brain and make me so much more knowledgeable as a running back and knowing defenses, being in the right position and protection. He taught me so much,” Gurley told Rams Wire in a phone interview. “And then to have a guy like Whit, it’s crazy, too. Very thankful for Sully and Rodger for everything they’ve done for me because I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.”
Gurley has a great personality and is always joking on the sideline and practice field, which he did plenty of with Saffold and Sullivan. It’s those light-hearted moments that he’s going to miss most.
“When we were joking, joking on everybody else, practicing and just chilling,” he said. “I’m gonna miss my boys. Kind of making me sad now.”
The Rams are very confident that Noteboom and Allen can step in as quality starters, showing promise as backups last season. Regardless of how well they play, though, there will be a noticeable void in the locker room, on the practice field and on Sundays with Saffold and Sullivan gone.
Gurley is clearly grateful to have played with both veterans the last few years and he’s not soon going to forget what they taught him.
