Los Angeles Rams

If Sean McVay wants to retire from coaching, it appears he could have a great post-retirement job in television.

The Los Angeles Rams head coach could be offered more than $15 million per year for an NFL broadcasting role, according to Peter King of NBC Sports.

King writes:

But it would be understandable if he strongly considered a TV job. First, if he leaves for TV, he's not retiring. Not many people retire at 36; Vince Lombardi won his first game as a head coach at 46. For insight on why McVay would even consider this, I give you this name: Tony Romo. CBS pays Romo $17.5 million a year to work about 20 games a year on TV. McVay makes about half that to coach the Rams, and though he's surely in line for a bigger payday after making two Super Bowls and winning one in five years, it's pretty logical for McVay to think seriously about being a TV analyst. Why wouldn't he consider ESPN on Monday night or Amazon on Thursday night, if they're willing to pay more than $15 million a year? (I thought it was around $15 million; one source told me 'more.')

King's report comes after Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported on Feb. 12 that McVay could "make at least $10 million in a booth." If McVay were to take on a broadcasting job, his salary would be more than the reported $8.5 million per season he makes right now coaching the Rams.

After winning the Super Bowl, McVay acknowledged that his future in the NFL was uncertain, telling reporters:

I don't really know. I know I love football and I'm so invested in this thing and I'm in the moment right now. But at some point, too, if you said what do you want to be able to do? I want to be able to have a family and I want to be able to spend time with them.

However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that McVay told him via text message on Feb. 12 that he was "committed to this team and coaching." McVay's fiancee, Veronika Khomyn, also posted to Instagram that the head coach is not retiring.

A message from Veronika Khomyn, who is the fiancée of #Rams coach Sean McVay… and it’s a pretty clear one: pic.twitter.com/EY0Qvp6BsY

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2022

McVay is under contract with the Rams through the 2023 season, so it's not unrealistic to think he'll coach through the remainder of his current deal before coming to the decision to retire.

The 36-year-old also has a highly impressive record as head coach of the Rams, going 55-26 in five seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances in the last four years.

When he officially decides to retire, there's no doubt a broadcasting job will be there waiting for him, but for now, it certainly seems like he's dedicated to running it back with Matthew Stafford and Co. in 2022. 

As he heads for free agency, Odell Beckham Jr.'s knee injury is casting a cloud over what kind of contract he'll receive on the open market. Should he be unable to play entirely in 2022, the three-time Pro Bowler might still collect a paycheck nonetheless.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported the NFL and NFL Players Association are currently in arbitration over whether players in Beckham's situation are eligible for injury protection:

Ordinarily, a player with an expiring contract is not eligible for injury protection. Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Rams after being released, at his request, by the Browns. However, there’s an unresolved question that would be relevant to Beckham. When he suffered the injury, he technically had a contract with future years remaining. Yes, those future years were a device for spreading cap money and will automatically disappear. Still, at the time he tore his ACL, Beckham had a contract beyond 2021.

Should the arbitrator rule in favor of the players' union, Beckham would receive $1.12 million in injury protection. The decision would also have consequences for others around the league.

This arbitration ruling will have a major impact on how void years are utilized. Players should have additional benefits for helping their clubs with salary cap relief via dummy years.

Duane Brown negotiated this protection into his re-worked deal before 2021 https://t.co/jeunQhG5Jf

— Brad Spielberger (@SpielbergerBrad) February 20, 2022

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported Feb. 14 the Los Angeles Rams were concerned Beckham suffered a torn ACL in their Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Prior to the injury, the 29-year-old rebuilt a lot of the value he had lost during his two-and-a-half years with the Cleveland Browns. He caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns in eight regular-season games with L.A. and was excellent (21 catches, 288 yards and two touchdowns) in the playoffs.

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported in January he could command around $11 million or $12 million annually on his next contract. On the eve of the Super Bowl, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the Rams "are very optimistic" about re-signing him.

The timing of his knee injury throws Beckham's availability for the 2022 season into doubt, though. Even if he doesn't miss the whole year, he'll be in a race against the clock to return to 100 percent in time for Week 1.

Even if he hadn't gotten hurt, signing a one-year deal with the Rams or another team was arguably Beckham's best move. He could've parlayed another strong season into a bigger payday in 2023.

Now, it's difficult to envision a team being willing to put a short-term contract on the table if he can't play all 17 games.

Gaining injury protection could provide Beckham with a form of leverage in negotiations this offseason. If he doesn't like what's on offer, he can point to the $1.12 million waiting for him and explain he's willing to sit out 2022 before reevaluating the free-agency landscape in 2023.

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald told TMZ Sports that he will come back to play in 2022 if the team re-signs wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and edge-rusher Von Miller.

"If we bring everybody back, I’m back," Donald told TMZ.com (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk). "Odell Beckham, Von Miller, we bring them guys back, let’s make it happen."

Retirement rumors surfaced around Donald after former NFL safety and current NBC football analyst Rodney Harrison said that the superstar could retire if L.A. won the Super Bowl.

"If he wins a #SuperBowl, there's a strong possibility that he could walk away from the game and retire."

Rodney Harrison on Aaron Donald and his future in football. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/tFzkHz8Axc

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 13, 2022

He didn't shut those rumors down immediately after the game in a conversation with ESPN's Dianna Russini:

Aaron Donald just told me he’s gonna take some time before he makes a decision if he’s going to retire or not. He wants to just be in the moment here.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 14, 2022

Donald appeared ready for a 2022 return at the Super Bowl parade, though.

"We built a super team. We can bring the super team back. Why not run it back?" Donald asked.

The Rams added Miller via trade and Beckham as a free agent. Both will enter free agency in March.

Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl 50 MVP who has amassed 115.5 sacks, excelled for L.A. with nine sacks in 12 games (including playoffs). He had two sacks in the Super Bowl.

Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler, amassed 48 catches, 593 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games (including playoffs).

He had two receptions for 52 yards and one score in the Super Bowl before leaving in the second quarter with an injury that Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said is believed to be a torn ACL.

Both midseason additions helped propel the Rams to their first Super Bowl in 22 years, so it's natural for L.A. to strongly consider adding both of them back.

Donald's plea to keep the team together is obviously a great motivator considering that he's coming off his seventh straight All-Pro season too.

For now, the Rams can bask in the glow of their Super Bowl win after taking down the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.

The Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, announced that they will pay all the bills and costs associated with photographer Kelly Smiley's fall Wednesday at the Rams' Super Bowl celebration parade.

"We have been in communication with Kelly Smiley since yesterday’s incident and we are sorry for what happened," a statement from the Rams and the Staffords read, per The Athletic. "As we told Kelly, we will be covering all her hospital bills and replacing her cameras. We wish her a speedy recovery."

Smiley revealed on Twitter that she suffered a fractured spine and that both of her cameras broke.

Video circulated on Twitter of Smiley working at the parade standing at the edge of a platform with Matthew and Kelly Stafford in her sight.

Smiley is then seen falling backwards off the platform. Kelly Stafford walked to the edge and showed concern for Smiley. 

Matthew Stafford is seen looking down before walking away. Stafford was criticized for his reaction.

A GoFundMe was established for Smiley. As of 6:45 p.m. ET, a total of $44,150 was raised to cover her costs.

Veronika Khomyn, the fiancee of Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, posted an Instagram story saying he's not planning to retire from coaching.

A message from Veronika Khomyn, who is the fiancée of #Rams coach Sean McVay… and it’s a pretty clear one: pic.twitter.com/EY0Qvp6BsY

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2022

McVay provided a similar outlook during the Rams' championship parade Wednesday, repeating the phrase "run it back," which suggested he planned to return despite rumors about a potential switch to broadcasting.

The updates come after Peacock's Dan Patrick reported Tuesday a source told him ESPN was showing interest if McVay was prepared to walk away from coaching.

Yet ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday he'd be "surprised" if the 36-year-old Ohio native retired from coaching after winning his first Super Bowl title Sunday, and now there's seemingly confirmation of that stance from both McVay and Khomyn.

However, McVay said last week that family is starting to become a bigger part of his life, which could change his outlook in the future.

"I know I love football and I'm so invested in this thing, and I'm in the moment right now," McVay told reporters. "But at some point, too, if you said what do you want to be able to do? I want to be able to have a family, and I want to be able to spend time with them."

An eventual switch to television to create more free time wouldn't come as a surprise, and he'd likely be a highly coveted target for all of the NFL's broadcast partners.

For now, though, it sounds like his focus remains on trying to lead the star-studded Rams to a second successive championship next season.

NFL photographer Kelly Smiley took a fall off the stage at the victory parade for the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday. The fall occurred while Smiley attempted to take pictures of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

While the moment circulated on social media for Stafford's indifferent reaction, Smiley said afterward that she suffered a fractured spine. Stafford's wife Kelly appeared to have expressed concern for Smiley after she fell.

https://twitter.com/kellysmiley23/status/1494165491224481792

Smiley said earlier on Wednesday that she had undergone an X-ray. She added that both her cameras broke in the fall.

"As we told Kelly, we will be covering all her hospital bills and replacing her camera," the Rams and the Stafford family said in a joint statement, per TMZ Sports. "We wish her a speedy recovery."

According to Smiley's website, she is currently a full-time photo editor for the NFL. She also works as a photo editor for the NHL games featuring the Los Angeles Kings and as a freelance photographer. 

The Rams were celebrating Sunday's win in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was the third championship in three different sports in three years for the city of Los Angeles, but it was the city's first victory parade. The Lakers and Dodgers both won titles in 2020, but neither celebrated because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

No one threw the Lombardi Trophy, but there were plenty of viral moments Wednesday when the Rams took to the streets of Los Angeles for their Super Bowl parade.

A shirtless Aaron Donald? Check.

Aaron Donald going shirtless at the @RamsNFL parade! 😂💪 pic.twitter.com/Bw2tERfSra

— NFL (@NFL) February 16, 2022

Les Snead wearing a "f--k them draft picks" t-shirt? You got it.

pic.twitter.com/NXTED3FssO

— Kara Henderson Snead (@KaraHenderson) February 16, 2022

Les said it 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/55pV5H2O4y

— NFL (@NFL) February 16, 2022

Cooper Kupp in a Kobe jersey? Indeed.

Iconic. #SBLVI pic.twitter.com/XwvwSggIAU

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 16, 2022

CITY OF CHAMPIONS!! #SBLVI pic.twitter.com/ZktVZoMNHb

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 16, 2022

Another tight end going Full Gronk? You bet.

TE Tyler Higbee pointing at a fan and then shotgunning a beer is what this day is truly all about.

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) February 16, 2022

The Rams and Los Angeles had plenty to celebrate with this being the first parade to take place in the city since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dodgers and Lakers didn't join in on the fun, as suggested by LeBron James, but the Rams players and coaches made sure those in attendance got to see them at their highest spirits.

Even Odell Beckham Jr., recovering from an ACL tear suffered in the 23-20 win over the Bengals, got into the fracas and sprayed some champagne out to the fans.

OBJ poppin' bottles 🍾 pic.twitter.com/DtCg04voH8

— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2022

Of course, when there is alcohol involved, it is very important to remain hydrated. If you don't believe me, or scientific data on the importance of hydration, maybe a man with a little bit of experience being overserved at a Super Bowl parade can convince you—or, hopefully, at least Matthew Stafford.

https://twitter.com/TomBrady/status/1494041757209841665

No. Seriously. Matthew. Some water. Please. 

In the midst of the celebration, though, the focus also started to shift forward. The Rams have a veteran-laden roster with several players set to hit free agency, highlighted by Beckham and linebacker Von Miller.

Perhaps the most important question facing the team this offseason is whether Donald will return. The future Hall of Famer openly questioned his future in football after winning the Super Bowl, but he seemed a little more open to a return Wednesday with the crowd—and coach Sean McVay—egging him on.

"RUN IT BACK, RUN IT BACK." 🗣

Sean McVay and Aaron Donald have one thing on their mind at the @RamsNFL parade. pic.twitter.com/prAVO9tDHZ

— NFL (@NFL) February 16, 2022

If the Rams are able to bring their veteran talent back—maybe jettisoning some more of those hated draft picks along the way—there could be another parade in L.A. a year from now. 

Los Angeles Rams fans might have more to celebrate Wednesday than just a Super Bowl championship.

Aaron Donald's future has been thrown into doubt a bit after he checked off the biggest achievement missing on his Hall of Fame-caliber resume.

During the Rams' title parade, head coach Sean McVay suggested the team could "run it back" next season. Donald responded by asking, "Why not?" if L.A. can retain its key players:

"RUN IT BACK, RUN IT BACK." 🗣

Sean McVay and Aaron Donald have one thing on their mind at the @RamsNFL parade. pic.twitter.com/prAVO9tDHZ

— NFL (@NFL) February 16, 2022

Von Miller is one of the Rams' notable free agents this offseason, and it sounds like the eight-time Pro Bowler is fully on board:

Von Miller when asked if he wants to run it back... "we ain't going no where."

— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) February 16, 2022

General manager Les Snead leveraged a lot of the franchise's future in order to assemble this roster. After Sunday's Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the strategy was ultimately successful.

Considering the Rams are projected to be $10.1 million over the salary cap, per Spotrac, keeping the squad together won't be easy. And once the high wears off following the Super Bowl, the willingness for some players to leave money on the table in order to stay in Los Angeles could wane a bit.

But that's a problem for another day.

One year after his infamous drunken moment during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl parade, Tom Brady offered a word of advice to Matthew Stafford.

Responding to a video of Stafford opening a beer during the Los Angeles Rams' championship parade, Brady told the quarterback to "mix in a water" with his drinks today. 

https://twitter.com/TomBrady/status/1494041757209841665

The Bucs had to hold a boat parade after their Super Bowl win last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That didn't stop Brady from dabbling in some choice beverages based on how he was moving around when his boat got back on land. 

Noting to see her...just litTle avoCado tequila https://t.co/vew2otBw5T

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 10, 2021

Speaking to Michael Strahan on Good Morning America last April, Brady said "from what I remember" it was a good parade. 

While we don't know for sure what Brady was drinking—though avocado tequila is apparently a thing that exists—Stafford does seem to be pacing himself better than the recently retired Bucs quarterback. 

After spending the first 12 years of his career with the Detroit Lions and never winning a playoff game, Stafford's run in the playoffs with the Rams has earned him the right to kick back with a cold beverage. 

The Rams won their first Super Bowl title since 1999 with a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Stafford threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp with 1:25 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Les Snead has run the Los Angeles Rams with a "f--k them draft picks" attitude over the course of his tenure as general manager. 

Now a Super Bowl champion, Snead is fully embracing the meme.

Kara Snead, his wife, offered a glimpse at the shirt her husband was wearing for Wednesday's Super Bowl parade:

pic.twitter.com/NXTED3FssO

— Kara Henderson Snead (@KaraHenderson) February 16, 2022

The meme is a play on the famous Michael Jordan "f--k them kids" meme. According to memelore, Chris Paul bet Jordan that if he missed three shots in an around-the-world shooting contest, children at a youth basketball camp would receive free Jordans if MJ lost. His Airness proceeded to knock down jumper after jumper, to the dismay of the kids in attendance, birthing one of our most reliably funny memes of this century.

The overarching sentiment has since metamorphized into several different memes, typically depicting a serious-looking black-and-white photo of a person with a white-lettered caption saying "f--k them ______." 

In Snead's case, the answer was draft picks.

The Rams GM has traded away pick after pick during his 10-year tenure; the franchise has not picked in the first round since 2016 and won't have a first-round pick until at least 2024. While the decision-making on some of those trades can be called into question, Snead hit a home run in trading a pair of first-round selections for Jalen Ramsey and another pair for Matthew Stafford.