Todd Gurley’s Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall: What Really Happened?
Once considered one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, Todd Gurley burst onto the scene with the St. Louis Rams in 2015, making an immediate impact as a dynamic dual-threat running back. His blend of size, speed, and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he quickly became the face of the franchise. Gurley’s exceptional play earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, setting the stage for what many believed would be a Hall of Fame career. However, just a few years later, Gurley’s career took a sudden and perplexing turn, leading many to wonder: What really happened to Todd Gurley?
Gurley’s Ascendancy
Gurley’s early years in the NFL were nothing short of spectacular. By his third season in 2017, he was arguably the best running back in the league. That year, he racked up 2,093 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns, leading the Rams to their first playoff appearance in over a decade. He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and finished second in MVP voting, a rare feat for a running back.
In 2018, Gurley continued his dominance, spearheading the Rams’ offense en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Although the Rams fell short against the New England Patriots, Gurley’s influence on the team’s success was undeniable. He had become the focal point of Sean McVay’s high-octane offense, feared as much for his ability to break long runs as for his skill in the passing game.
The Start of the Decline
Despite his success, cracks in the foundation began to show during the 2018 season. Gurley’s usage decreased significantly in the latter part of the year, especially during the playoffs. Speculation arose about the condition of his knee, which had been a concern dating back to his college days at Georgia. By the time Super Bowl LIII rolled around, Gurley was a shadow of his former self, leading to widespread rumors that he was dealing with a more serious injury than the Rams were letting on.
In 2019, the Rams confirmed what many had feared: Gurley was dealing with arthritis in his knee, a condition that would severely limit his explosiveness and durability. Despite signing a massive four-year, $60 million contract extension in 2018, Gurley’s production plummeted, and by the end of the season, the Rams released him, marking the end of his time with the franchise.
The Aftermath
After brief stints with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020, Gurley faded from the NFL spotlight. His once-promising career was abruptly curtailed by the very injury concerns that had dogged him since college. Gurley’s rapid decline serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the NFL exacts on its players, especially running backs, whose careers are often brutal and short-lived.
Today, Gurley remains out of the league, leaving fans to ponder what might have been had his body held up. His story is a tale of a meteoric rise followed by an equally rapid fall, illustrating the precarious nature of life in the NFL.
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