Just a few short years ago, it looked like Todd Gurley could go down as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL.
After a jaw-dropping career at Georgia in which he was one of the most dominant collegiate ball carriers we’ve ever seen, Gurley was drafted by the Rams in the first round of the 2015 draft.
He has not played football since the 2020 season with the Falcons after a sudden decline in his health. Gurley spoke to NBCLX’s Mike Gavin earlier this week and opened up about his post-NFL life, making it clear he’s in no rush to get back on the field. But he also did not rule it out completely.
“Football wise, just taking it day-by-day,” Gurley told Gavin. “Being part of ownership groups of different companies, that’s what I’m focusing on. Spending a lot more time with my family. I ain’t worried about no football. I keep it real with you. I’m chilling and enjoying myself.
Gurley would go on to win 2015’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after posting 1,106 rushing yards with St. Louis. The Rams moved to Los Angeles the next year, and Gurley fit right in, stepping into the spotlight and embracing his superstar status.
He was the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year, twice was named a first team all-pro, made three Pro Bowls and led the league in rushing touchdowns on two occasions.
Gurley continued:
“I like doing stuff on my time,” Gurley said. “I like doing whatever I want to do. I’ve never been one that liked to be controlled. I like to be in control of my own path.”
Now that he’s not playing football, Gurley recently joined the ownership group for the Beasts of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) League. The Beasts ownership group includes former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters, former WNBA star Renee Montgomery, and WWE wrestler Miro.
Regarding having total control of his life, Gurley noted what’s truly important to him.
“That’s the best thing about being in the position I’m in. If I want to try to play again, I can try to pursue that. Or if I don’t, I can just relax and chill at the house and spend a lot more time with my family because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.
“Then at the end of the day, still becoming a businessman and still venturing off in that next phase of my life.”
Toward the end of the 2018 NFL season, Gurley was limited. The Rams made the Super Bowl, but the superstar back was fighting inflammation in his surgically repaired knee from his playing days at Georgia. From that point on, things were never the same for the Tarboro, North Carolina native.
Midway through the next season, Gurley was tied for 29th in the league in rushing yards. He was No. 1 at the midway point a year prior. The next season in 2020, Gurley signed with the Atlanta Falcons and rushed for 678 yards. He has not since played another game of football.
Gurley is now part owner of the Beasts, and he did not rule out a return to football. Could we see TG3 suit up for his team in the FCF or possibly a return to the NFL?
“Anything is possible. The energy that I’m getting right now, I might have to go back there in the locker room and go put something on, man. It is possible. It’s possible.”
