The Los Angeles Rams avoided one retirement scare and found themselves navigating another entirely elsewhere on the roster. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will be back, but one of his few remaining 2021 Super Bowl-winning teammates will not.
LA dealt with injuries at key positions all season, some of them turning out better than others en route to the NFC Championship Game.
Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein found himself and his position checking multiple boxes.
Rob Havenstein Announces Retirement
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stafford announced his return to the Rams during his MVP acceptance speech. Havenstein’s announcement comes amid far less immediate attention, but it still sent a buzz throughout the NFL world before the offseason begins.
Havenstein took to Instagram to announce he was retiring from the league. He thanked family–singling out his wife and parents–friends, coaches, and teammates.
“11 years, 150+ starts, 4 time captain, 4 NFC West Championships, 2 NFC Championships and 1x Super Bowl Champion. What a ride it’s been! I can look back on my career and smile knowing I have given everything I had and more to the game I love,” Havenstein posted on Instagram on February 10.
“As this chapter ends, I couldn’t be more grateful, hopeful, and excited to see what comes next!”
The Rams selected Havenstein 57th overall in the 2015 draft, their final season in St. Louis before returning to LA. He started all 148 games he played in during his NFL career, and all with the Rams. Havenstein was the last active draft pick by the organization from before the move.
Just one other player on the Rams’ 2025 roster was also on the last team that played in St. Louis besides Havenstein: long snapper Jake McQuaide.
Case Keenum and Johnny Hekker were the only other 2015 Rams on a 53-man roster in 2025.
RBs React to Rob Havenstein News
GettyRob Havenstein #79 and Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams react after a touchdown against the New York Giants.
Havenstein’s now-former teammates filed into the comment section to express sentiments of gratitude and respect for the veteran.
Rams running back Kyren Williams, Havenstein’s teammate since 2023, posted, “it’s been a hell of a ride these 5 years brudda!! love ya big Rob [fingers crossed emoji]” while backfield mate Blake Corum said, “Big Rob!! Love ya man thankful for you!!”
Corum just completed his second season with the Rams.
Former Rams tailback Cam Akers, another member of that 2021 Super Bowl team, posted, “Congrats big dog [fire emoji]! Was a pleasure being your RB.”
Jake Funk, another ex-Ram and 2021 champ, said, “Maryland Legend! Pleasure to be able to step foot on the grass with you [salute and praying hands emojis], underscoring how much players enjoyed running behind Havenstein.
Rams OL Past & Present Weigh In
GettyRob Havenstein #79, Kevin Dotson #69, Beaux Limmer #50, Steve Avila #73, and Alaric Jackson #77 of the Los Angeles Rams line up against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff.
Rams right guard Kevin Dotson said, “RiGHT SIDE BABY [flexing bicep emojis] gonna miss you over there. Love ya man [salute emojis],” in celebration of his three seasons playing alongside Havenstein
Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson, a rookie on that 2021 team, also chimed in.
“Triple OG, OG. Blessed to have you around and to help me get where I am in more ways than one,” he said. “Enjoy retirement my dawg, you always welcome back though [laughing emoji].”
Former Rams guard Austin Corbett, now of the Carolina Panthers, posted, “I’ll forever have your inside. [face holding back tears emoji], while ex-LA and current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skoronek said, “Big Rob! It was a pleasure going to war with you [salute emoji]. Congrats on a great career.”
Austin Blythe, another ex-Rams offensive lineman, said, “Hall of fame in 5 years?! Proud to have played with you for a period of your career and congratulations on it all. Love you [kiss face emoji.”
Rams Teammates Wish Rob Havenstein Well
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams waits in the tunnel during player introductions before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was not just running backs and offensive linemen wishing Havenstein well, with several current and former Rams of varying positions sending messages of praise to the towering veteran.
Rams cornerback Cobie Durant said, “Best friend!!! Appreciate you!”
LA wide receiver Xavier Smith posted, “ [fingers crossed emoji] Major love & thank you for everything bruh!
Linebacker Nate Landman said, “LEGEND! Grateful to be a small part of it. Love you brotha! Enjoy ! [flexing bicep emoji],” while rookie tight end and fellow first-year Rams player Terrance Ferguson posted, “Congrats Big Rob you’ll be missed in the burbs!!”
Safety Kam Curl simply said, “Big Rob [fingers crossed emoji].”
Corner Josh Wallace shared a goat emoji, while defensive end Larrell Murchison posted, “My brother 4 life [fingers crossed emoji].
Players like Kendall Blanton, Riley Dixon, and Terrell Burgess all weighed in, as did coaches and former reporters. The Rams effectively replace Havenstein with 2023 fifth-round pick Warren McClendon in 2025. Still, Havenstein will be missed on the field and in the locker room.
Rams Super Bowl Champion Announces Major Career News