Todd Gurley
The explosive back who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie and earned AP Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Todd Gurley II is an American former professional football running back who played six seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Los Angeles Rams before his career ended after the 2020 season. Selected 10th overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2015 NFL draft after a standout college career at Georgia, he immediately made his mark. Gurley rushed for over 1,000 yards in his debut season, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. From 2017 to 2018, he led the league in rushing touchdowns twice and was named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. His tenure included three Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro nods before injuries in the 2018 playoffs led to his release after the 2020 season.
- 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's impact began immediately upon his arrival in St. Louis. After rehabilitating ahead of schedule from an ACL tear suffered at Georgia, he was medically cleared for full contact before the 2015 season. In Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, he made his NFL debut with six rushes for nine yards. However, the following week against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals, he rushed for 146 yards total—108 of which came in the second half—to secure a 24–22 victory. Over his next three starts against the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers, Gurley recorded at least 128 rushing yards per game. He scored his first NFL touchdown on October 25, 2015, against the Browns. By Week 8, following a 27–6 win over the 49ers, Gurley's jersey and cleats were displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His performance made him the most prolific rusher in his first four NFL starts since the AFL–NFL merger.
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
For fans tracking Gurley's career arc, the narrative is defined by rapid ascent and physical resilience testing limits. His college journey at Georgia set the stage; as a true freshman in 2012, he became the second in school history to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing with 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns while earning First-Team All-SEC honors. In 2014, despite an NCAA suspension over $3,000 in autograph sales and a torn ACL against Auburn in his final game, he still finished with 911 rushing yards in just six games. His professional path mirrors this volatility: immediate stardom followed by injury struggles. Key moments include his 2015 rookie year where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and won Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his 2017 campaign where he was named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Understanding Gurley requires noting these specific statistical peaks and the injury timeline that concluded his time with the Rams.
Did You Know?
- Gurley's jersey and cleats were displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame following a Week 8 victory over the 49ers in his rookie season.
- In 2012, Gurley became only the second true freshman in Georgia history to rush for 1,000 yards, joining Herschel Walker.
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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