The Los Angeles Rams Mount Rushmore
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated
The Los Angeles Rams have a rich history as a team dating all the way back to the 1930s, and have been one of the more successful franchises of the 21st century, winning two Super Bowls and appearing in two more. With so many legendary players having suited up for the Rams over the years, today we’re going to go over which 4 players would make the all-time Los Angeles Rams Mount Rushmore.
Aaron Donald: Defensive End/Tackle (2014-23)
Photo Credit: Ramswire.com
With his recent retirement being major NFL news, there’s no way I could start this list with anyone but Aaron Donald. Donald was an incredibly impactful player from the moment he started his first game for the Rams, to his last one this past winter. Donald played 10 seasons for the Rams, and made a pro bowl in every single one of them, along with 8 first team all-pro selections, 3 defensive player of the year awards, and a Super Bowl. Donald finished his career with 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 24 forced fumbles; When looking at the shortlist of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, there’s no doubt that Donald’s name belongs up there with the likes of Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White.
Kurt Warner: Quarterback (1998-2003)
Photo Credit: Cali Sports News
Despite having the shortest tenure with the Rams of any player on this list by far, Warner was nothing short of dominant during his time as the starting quarterback. Warner is known for having one of the best underdog stories in NFL history, as he was undrafted and was working at a grocery store before making it into the NFL, and once the Rams gave him a chance, he made sure every other team realized how big of a mistake they made. In only 3 full seasons as the starter for the Rams, Warner passed for 12,612 yards and 98 touchdowns, won 2 MVP’s, made 3 pro bowls, 2 first team all-pro selections, and won a super bowl along with appearing in another. So even though longevity is extremely important for a list like this, Warner’s peak with the Rams was so dominant that there is absolutely no way he could be left off of this list.
Merlin Olsen: Defensive Tackle (1962-76)
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
A largely forgotten legend by today’s younger fans, Olsen was the model of dominant and consistent play by a defensive lineman. In Olsen’s 15 years with the Rams, he was an absolute rock on their interior defensive line, making 14 pro bowls, 8 all-pro teams, as well as being a member of the Hall of Fame’s 1960s and 1970s teams. Olsen was famously one of the key members of one of the greatest defensive lines of all time nicknamed “The fearsome foursome” by the NFL media in the late 1960s through early 1970s along with another member of this list, Deacon Jones, but despite the units dominance as a group, Olsen always managed to stand out as an extremely talented player himself. It’s rare to see defensive linemen play for as long as Olsen did, but how dominant he was able to stay for his entire career, is downright insane.
Deacon Jones: Defensive End (1961-1971)
Photo Credit: NFL Films
Another legendary Rams defensive lineman, Jones was a literal game-changer during his tenure in Los Angeles. Known for his viscous yet highly effective head-slap move, which has since been banned by the league, Jones was a problem for offensive lines for a decade with the Rams. Although sacks were not an officially recorded stat at the time, analysts who have gone back and watched the game film for Jones claim that he compiled over 170 sacks with the Rams, and had 3 seasons with over 20 sacks. Regardless as to if these stats are truly accurate or not, Jones’ dominance on the field was undeniable, making 7 pro bowls and 6 all-pro teams during his tenure in Los Angeles.
Honorable Mentions:
Eric Dickerson: Running Back
Jack Youngblood: Defensive End
Orlando Pace: Offensive Tackle
Marshall Faulk: Running Back
Isaac Bruce: Wide Receiver
