The news of Myles Garrett to the Rams was a story that became an immediate splash, giving Los Angeles another dominant playmaker. Rams QB Matthew Stafford joined Chris Long on the Green Light podcast and talked about Garrett to the Rams at length, drawing parallels between his own arrival in Los Angeles s and the power of a change of scenery in jump-starting even the biggest of NFL stars like Garrett.
Garrett to the Rams: Stafford Gives Honest Thoughts on Blockbuster Trade
While discussing Garrett’s move, the Green Light host pointed out the similarities between the blockbuster transaction and Stafford’s own trade from Detroit to Los Angeles. Stafford was then asked whether he had spoken with Garrett about the shared experience.
“Not specifically, but there are definitely some parallels. When I got traded to Los Angeles, it was refreshing. For years in Detroit, I felt like I was one of the faces of the organization. Then all of a sudden, you’re the new guy again. You’re learning a new system, meeting new teammates, and trying to earn everybody’s respect. There is a different kind of energy that comes with that. It makes football feel new again.
Obviously, Myles does not have to prove anything physically. His ability speaks for itself. He is one of the best defensive players in football. But a fresh start can energize you, and when you’re joining a team with legitimate championship expectations, that creates excitement. I am looking forward to having him here.”
Beyond just saying Garrett is talented, Stafford’s answer has roots in his own nearly identical situation after he left the Lions to move to Los Angeles two years ago. Stafford’s point was less about the burden of expectations he would have and more about the exhilaration of being the “new guy” once more. After being the face of one franchise for many years, Stafford noted that arriving into a new locker room renewed his own energy for the sport, providing him with a brand new mountain to climb both on and off the field.
The comparison is fitting because Garrett to the Rams follows a path remarkably similar to Stafford’s trade to Los Angeles in 2021.
Both players spent considerable amounts of time in their initial respective destinations becoming the face of their organizations before landing in Los Angeles with a Rams team geared toward winning a Super Bowl. Stafford figured that change of scenery alone could be motivating, not necessarily to prove something as an individual player, but to have the chance to compete in a championship environment. Stafford’s last comment is likely the most hopeful for Rams fans to hear. He noted Garrett already possesses elite ability, but combined with new surroundings and a real chance at competing for a Super Bowl, he can potentially unlock even more.
Garrett to the Rams: Stafford Could Not Be More Excited
When further discussing Garrett to the Rams, Stafford was clear on how excited he was to have him on board.
“I am really excited about bringing in Myles. He is a tremendous football player. Now we have just got to go to work, compete against each other every day, and push one another in practice. That is how great teams get better.”
Stafford’s words illustrate exactly the kind of mentally that has kept the Rams on the periphery of Super Bowl discussions throughout the years. He is not obsessed with Garrett’s trophy room and all of the individual achievements that he has accomplished. When Stafford starts talking about Garrett, immediately his conversation is in terms of competition.
Stafford recognizes what drives championship football teams, especially on the practice field where top tier players relentlessly go at each other.
Bringing in someone like Garrett not only makes the defense better on Sundays but it pushes every player to have a better week of practice.
Garrett to the Rams is a Fresh Start
Ultimately, Garrett to the Rams is about more than adding another superstar. Stafford believes it is an opportunity for one of the NFL’s best players to embrace a fresh challenge on a team built to compete for a championship. If his own experience is any indication, the move could prove beneficial for both Garrett and the Rams.
