A 16-year veteran and coming off as champion with the Rams, Andrew Whitworth finally announced retirement
“I’ll come to a conclusion here soon,” Whitworth said last month. “Give the Rams a chance to make the moves they need to, one way or another. But man, what an awesome ride it’s been.”
The 40-year-old tackle finally announced on Tuesday that he was indeed retiring to be home with kids and be “a better dad”.
"That was daddy's last football game."
Whitworth let his kids in on a little secret after #SBLVI ❤️ (via @nflfilms) pic.twitter.com/4JHQWEndDO
— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2022
Whitworth’s retirement
Another veteran NFL player aside from Tom Brady announced his retirement to the world, even though Brady later would cancel it and return for his 23rd season next season.
Following the Super Bowl LVI triumph against the Cincinnati Bengals with 23-20 at So-Fi Stadium last month. Whitworth reached his 16th NFL season.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said that the four-time Pro Bowler should be a Hall of Famer. McVay was thankful for having Whitworth on his team.
“I can’t say enough about what he has meant to me personally as a coach and a person,” McVay said. “I’m so grateful for him. He’s been an instrumental part in everything that is right about the Rams the last five years.”
A heartfelt moment was captured by NFL films where the Super Bowl Champion promised his kids that he would be more around at home from now on.
“Hey, listen to me,” Whitworth said, “That is daddy’s last football game.”
While teammates and fans would certainly miss him, McVay would understand Whitworth’s decision completely as they both value family.
“I’m going to be home with you guys, OK?” Whitworth said. “Promise, I’m going to be a better dad. I’m going to be around more. I’m going to coach the crap out of you boys. We’re going to have some fun.”
Alongside Whitworth’s retirement as Rams, the two-time First-team All-Pro admitted that he has developed his love for his former team, the Bengals.
The Louisiana native also won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2021, in addition to his Super Bowl LVI ring.
The Whitworth family with Rams head coach Sean McVay pic.twitter.com/kRIvekyCKD
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) March 15, 2022
Whitworth’s announcement
In a video on his social media post, Whitworth officially closed his chapter on the field.
“I’m here to close the chapter on my NFL playing career,” said Whitworth on Tuesday night.
“As long as we are blessed in life to have the opportunity, we have the chance to write our own story. Thank you to all my teammates for chasing greatness with me, our fellowship in the locker room, and our brotherhood off the field.”
Joe Noteboom who signed an extension contract earlier this week with the Rams will replace Whitworth’s position.
“Thank you to the coaches and support staff who have always been there for me. And to my family and friends, I could have never done it without you. I love you,” he continued.