Los Angeles Rams veteran running back Sony Michel is retiring, according to head coach Sean McVay.
Michel, 28, won two Super Bowls during his five-season career with the Rams, Patriots and Chargers.
He informed McVay of his plans Saturday morning, a little more than a month after he re-signed with the organization that landed him his second Super Bowl ring.
“I thought just being back around him these last couple of days, you just appreciate the influence that he has, the way that this guy works,” McVay said.
“When you look at what he’s done going back to Georgia, throughout his rookie year when he broke my heart in ’18 and did a great job in New England, [I] thought he was a hugely instrumental piece for our Super Bowl team a couple years ago.
“The epitome of a pro, great competitor and his next chapter is going to be exciting. He’s got so many gifts he can offer to people. We’ll wish him the best. It’s a bummer, but his body is feeling like it’s talking to him, and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the competitor that he is.”
McVay added: “What an incredible player. What a great career this guy has had.”
Michel finished his career with 779 rushes for 3,243 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns and will be most remembered for his time in New England.
The Patriots drafted the former Georgia standout with the 31st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and he helped the Patriots win their final championship of the Tom Brady era.
Michel rushed for 336 yards spanning three playoff games (129, 113, 94) and recorded six touchdowns that postseason, including an 18-carry, 94-yard and one touchdown performance against McVay’s Rams in the Super Bowl.
The Patriots traded Michel to the Rams on the eve of the 2021-22 season, and Michel won his second title that season.
He tallied two carries for two yards in the Rams’ Super Bowl 2022 triumph over the Bengals, and tallied 845 rushing yards that season.
Michel moved across town last season to play for the Chargers but accumulated just 106 rushing yards on 36 carries and then opted to head back to the Rams.
McVay said the team will now look to add another back to its group to replace Michel, who was competing to serve as a backup to Cam Akers.
“I was sad for us, but I was happy for him,” McVay said of Michel. “I know he gave a lot to this game and he can be really proud of everything that he’s done. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next in his next chapter.”
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