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Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth will go down in history as the oldest offensive lineman to win a Super Bowl.
Whitworth, age 40, is currently the oldest tackle in NFL history. In that time, he’s had a tremendous impact on younger players like Joe Burrow. He’s also dedicated himself to community service around the greater Los Angeles area.
Just a few days before the Super Bowl, he was bestowed the NFL’s prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, delivering a goosebumps-worthy speech.
“You will never regret making something about more than yourself,” he told a room full of his colleagues in the league.
His story is a remarkable one of resilience and perseverance. Whitworth is a true NFL vet, playing an unprecedented 16 seasons in the league. His football career started at Louisiana State University from 2001 to 2005. He joined the league in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2006, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals for eleven seasons. In 2017, he joined the Rams upon their inaugural season in Los Angeles, perceived by some naysayers to be in the twilight of his career.
Now, four seasons later, he’s made NFL history with the team.
Andrew Whitworth at the LA Rams Super Bowl Parade
At the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl parade, Whitworth trolled his teammate, 28-year-old Cooper Kupp. He showed up to the festivities at the Los Angeles Coliseum with a picture of the Super Bowl MVP from high school.
The caption on top of the plain white shirt reads “Super Bowl MVP.”
Andrew Whitworth honoring the king with a spectacular Cooper Kupp shirt pic.twitter.com/3sV3EJduen
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) February 16, 2022
Andrew Whitworth’s speech at the Rams Super Bowl Parade
During the Rams Super Bowl parade and rally, Whitworth took the podium at the urgency of Kupp. He delivered a powerful speech about betting on yourself.
“Five years ago, I was told I was a little too old. I was told that maybe my time was done…”
“I tell you this for every single person standing out there that’s ever doubted anything you’ve ever done. Bet on yourself because five years later, I’m holding this trophy up and I’m 40 years old…”
“Let’s go! Don’t ever let anyone’s opinions of you ever become your reality. Bet on yourself.”
“World. Damn. Champions.”
Watch the speech below.
“Don’t let anyone’s opinions of you become your reality. Bet on yourself. World damn champions!”
Now that’s how you give a speech. 🙌 Andrew Whitworth proves you are on your own timeline, as he hoists up the Lombardi trophy at 40 years old. https://t.co/uSQaembmz2 pic.twitter.com/T3fLH5GH7f— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) February 16, 2022
I was lucky enough to be in the crowd today this moment. Check out my footage from the crowd below.
It nearly brought a tear to my eye. What a powerful, inspirational message from a Super Bowl champ who’s seen it all and been through it all.
Now he gets to raise the Lombardi Trophy.
Take his word for it: Always bet on yourself. You won’t regret it.