Will Andrew Whitworth hang ‘em up if the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LIII?

The Los Angeles Rams are 60 minutes away from potentially winning Super Bowl LIII and hoisting the Lombardi trophy for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. But when the confetti settles, the parade is over, and the offseason is under way, the reality will set in that some of these men won’t return to the team for the 2019 season.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is suggesting, should the Rams win today, that left tackle Andrew Whitworth might be one who, while certainly welcomed back, may opt to leave the game on the highest of notes:

As for the Rams, left tackle Andrew Whitworth is one to watch. While he hasn’t spoken publicly about it, those close to him and members of the Rams organization do not know if he’s returning. He has not committed to it.

It would be hard to blame Whitworth, the 13 year veteran who turned 37 this past December. I imagine most players would choose to walk away from the game on their own terms, having recently achieved the ultimate goal.

Rapoport also notes that there are about 11 million reasons, in the form of dollar bills, for Whitworth to return next season — as his three-year deal expires at the end of the 2019 season. And heck, maybe he’s just hungry for a second Super Bowl and feels he’s got enough in the tank.

For a team that has struggled mightily to find a viable replacement at left tackle since the exodus of Orlando Pace, Andrew Whitworth has been a blessing. He’s been incredible on and off the field, and replacing him will be easier said than done.

But first things first. Let’s get some pictures of this man holding the Lombardi and we can share concern for Jared Goff’s blindside some other time...hopefully in February, 2020.