The reason Los Angeles Rams ILB Cory Littleton balled out in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers? His shoes.

Los Angeles Rams ILB Cory Littleton was a star in Week 1 helping the Rams beat the Carolina Panthers, 30-27.

The reason?

His shoes.

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Unlike some of his peers who wore flashier, more modern shoes, Littleton opted for the Jim Thorpe IVs on Sunday.

His decision was relatively unique among his peers. Many Rams decked themselves out in the Rams’ throwback colors.

RB Todd Gurley started the season off fresh:

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And KR/PR JoJo Natson Jr.:

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QB Jared Goff went with the Seinfeld whites before making a much more egregious fashion choice in the post-game press conference:

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I spoke to one Rams source (no I didn’t) who suggested Littleton wore the throwback shoes to honor the 1967 Rams, the first season in which the franchise racked up double-digit wins:

Nike’s Director of NFL Footwear Thip Frankmore (not a person) said the company had to actually make the pair during the week as no player had actually worn those shoes since the 1982 season, and he wasn’t even sure how Littleton knew of the design to request it in the first place.

Littleton lost the NFC Defensive Player of the Week to Minnesota Vikings S Anthony Harris for grabbing two interceptions and recovering a fumble in the Viking’s big win over the Atlanta Falcons, 28-12.

As long as Littleton continues to adhere to the fashion trends of the mid-60s, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the DPOY conversation at year’s end.

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