Todd Gurley
Former NFL running back, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and 2017 rushing touchdowns leader.
Todd Jerome Gurley II (born August 3, 1994) is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons, primarily with the Los Angeles Rams. He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, earning first-team All-SEC honors, and was selected by the Rams 10th overall in the 2015 NFL draft.
- Position
- Running Back
- Draft Year
- 2015
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 3
- All-Pro Honors
- First-team (two times)
- Key Achievement
- AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2017)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Gurley immediately made an impact in his first season by rushing for over 1,000 yards and winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 2017, he led the league in rushing touchdowns and was named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He also received three Pro Bowl and two first-team All-Pro selections. During the 2018 playoffs, Gurley began to struggle with injuries that led to the Rams releasing him after the 2019 season. He played for the Atlanta Falcons the following year in 2020. Gurley announced his retirement in 2022 after spending a year in free agency.
In Their Own Story
The turning point for Gurley came during his sophomore run leading up to his MVP-caliber season. By 2017, he had evolved into a dual-threat weapon who twice led the league in rushing touchdowns between 2017 and 2018. The pinnacle of this dominance arrived when he was named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year for the 2017 season. During these peak years, Gurley earned three Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors, cementing his status as an elite force in the league. However, the physical toll of the game began to mount during the 2018 playoffs, where he started to struggle with injuries. These persistent issues ultimately led the Rams to release him after the 2019 season. He spent a year in free agency before playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020, eventually announcing his retirement in 2022.
Reader's Guide
Gurley was selected in the first round with the 10th overall pick by the St. Louis Rams in the 2015 NFL draft. He was the first running back to be selected in that year's draft. On September 27, 2015, Gurley made his NFL debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, finishing with six rushes for nine yards in the 12–6 loss.
Did You Know?
- Gurley was a world-class hurdler and sprinter in high school, competing for Team USA in the 110-metres hurdles at the 2011 World Youth Championships.
- In his freshman season at Georgia, Gurley became the second true freshman in school history to rush for 1,000 yards, after Herschel Walker.
- Gurley's 3,285 rushing yards ranked third and his 36 rushing touchdowns tied for second in school history at the time of his departure from Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Todd Gurley?
Todd Gurley II is a former NFL running back who played six seasons, primarily with the Los Angeles Rams after being selected 10th overall in the 2015 draft out of Georgia. He quickly established himself as a premier back by rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie year.
What were Todd Gurley's peak achievements with the Rams?
During his time in Los Angeles, Gurley led the league in rushing touchdowns twice and was named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. His dominance also earned him three Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors.
How did Todd Gurley's career with the Rams conclude?
Gurley's tenure as a Ram ended after six seasons, during which he became a franchise icon before injuries began to impact his availability in later years. He left the team following the 2020 season after helping guide them through their Super Bowl-winning era.
Why is Todd Gurley considered important to Rams history?
He is remembered as one of the most explosive running backs in franchise history, serving as the offensive engine that propelled the team to a Super Bowl victory. His ability to score touchdowns and gain yards made him central to their resurgence from St. Louis through the Los Angeles era.
Did Todd Gurley win any major individual awards?
Yes, Gurley was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015 and later won the prestigious AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2017. These accolades highlight his status as one of the league's most dominant players during his prime.
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