Running back Sony Michel, a first-round draft of the New England Patriots in 2018, has apparently played his final game.
Michel, who had been in camp with the Los Angeles Rams, told coach Sean McVay that he was retiring.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on Saturday night.
Rams’ HC Sean McVay told reporters that RB Sony Michel, New England’s first-round pick in 2018, informed him this morning he has decided to retire from the NFL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 30, 2023
While Michel’s career wasn’t long, it was significant.
As a rookie in 2018, he helped the Patriots beat the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. He was the game’s leading rusher, going for 94 yards. In the fourth quarter, he broke a 3-3 tie with a short touchdown run. That ended up being the only touchdown either team would score in New England’s 13-3 victory over Los Angeles.
Three years later, the Rams were back in the Super Bowl. This time, Michel was on their team. And while he had a limited role in the Super Bowl, carrying the ball only twice for two yards, Michel had 13 carries for 58 yards in Los Angeles’ Wild Card round win over the Arizona Cardinals. During the regular season, he ran for 845 yards and four touchdowns and added 128 yards and another touchdown as a receiver.
So, his retirement generated a lot of reactions from football fans.
That’s playoff hero and Super Bowl winner Sony Michel https://t.co/uCQtg9PJYP
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) July 30, 2023
Sure other rookies put up bigger numbers in their first season but Michel's rookie season is probably one you dream of..played huge role in last Patriots Super Bowl https://t.co/AGUNB1S1Rn
— Joe Bailey (@joebaileysports) July 30, 2023
Sony Michel’s run with the Rams in 2021 will never be forgotten. Came up huge during the Super Bowl run.
Looks like the Rams all of a sudden have a need at running back…. https://t.co/EhG8jr2mSz
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) July 30, 2023
Thank you, @Flyguy2stackz #ForeverNE https://t.co/iKFdbf81Oo
— Boston Radio Watch®️ (@bostonradio) July 30, 2023
Michel played sparingly for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. In 10 games, he had only 36 carries for 106 yards. For his career, Michel had 779 carries for 3,243 yards with 18 touchdowns.
