It’s hard not to marvel at the competitive stamina of Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman and 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient Andrew Whitworth.
At 40 years old, he’s playing left tackle, meaning that he often blocks the opposing team’s best pass rusher.
Despite that degree of difficulty, he continues to perform well for the Rams, earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections during his stint in California.
Throughout his career, the ageless wonder has two First-Team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowls.
But while he’s menacing to opponents, he’s the best teammate anyone could have because he cares for the people that wear the same uniform as him.
His character is best encapsulated in this video from NFL Films, showing his conversation with Odell Beckham Jr.
A week 18 promise made to OBJ. ❤️
(🎥: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/a95RzsfASx
— theScore (@theScore) February 16, 2022
In that tweet by theScore, Whitworth made a promise to elevate Beckham’s legacy.
He empathized with what the wide receiver went through in his career, especially the episode with the Cleveland Browns wherein he was tagged as a washed-up player.
Whitworth made a guarantee at the end of the regular season saying, “Hey man! Listen to me. We’re gonna get you a hat and a T-shirt today. And we’re gonna get one of those big shiny things, bro. You understand that? Cement your legacy forever. You understand? That’s what God wants for you, man. Head high and ready for your opp.”
Whitworth Fulfilled His Word
The guarantee may not be as big as Joe Namath‘s before Super Bowl III, but Whitworth’s message to Beckham came true.
The Rams eventually pulled off a come-from-behind win over the San Francisco 49ers to play in Super Bowl LVI at home.
Two weeks later, they are both Super Bowl champions for the first time.
It’s unsure whether Whitworth and Beckham had a similar conversation before finally defeating the Cincinnati Bengals.
But there’s no doubt that they were both invaluable to the Rams’ victory.
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