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Andrew Whitworth has been a godsend for the 2017 Los Angeles Rams. His dominant play in his age 35 season has given Jared Goff and Sean McVay the confidence to do their jobs without fear for Goff’s life - as was the case when Greg Robinson was the Rams left tackle.
On a Rams team that is often defined by it’s youth, the youngsters didn’t hold back in giving Whitworth a hard time about being long in the tooth.
Happy Birthday to my dawg @awhitworth77 killing it at LT since the merger Enjoy it big man
— Rodger Saffold (@Rodger_Saffold) December 12, 2017
Happy 45th birthday to the man that protects my blindside! One of the best around. Happy bday Big Whit! @awhitworth77 pic.twitter.com/ZQTgZ8qAXH
— Jared Goff (@JaredGoff16) December 12, 2017
It’s honestly refreshing to see Rams players giving each other grief. A friendly jab shows that this team isn’t burnt out, stressed, nor are they worried. They are comfortable with their identity and with where they stand this season. Another stark contrast between Jeff Fisher and Sean McVay.
But what was the birthday boy doing? He was preoccupied with something else.
Rams LT Andrew Whitworth just bought a bike - 550 - for every kid at Grape Street Elementary in Watts. pic.twitter.com/UFCMfZhH7K
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 12, 2017
As a parent who once struggled to buy such things for my kids, this is awesome. For a NFLer to take time out of his day - on his birthday - to get involved in the community like this... well it’s special.
The Rams Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee this season is Rodger Saffold, but this shows that the Rams have more than one player that is worth of such an award.
Happy belated birthday big man. You just earned a lot of respect in my book.