Rams News: NFL Veteran Announces Retirement, Closes Chapter on Decorated 11-Year Career

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Michael Brockers, the seasoned defensive end who has been a fixture in the NFL for over a decade, has decided to hang up his cleats.

The announcement of his retirement was made on his personal Instagram account, marking the end of an 11-year tenure that saw him as a cornerstone of both the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams' defensive lines.

"First and foremost I have to say Thank You to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I Truly want to thank all My Fans for supporting my family and I during these 11 beautiful yrs. I want to personally thank the Rams and Lions organizations for taking the risk on me to represent their teams.

"I want to also thank My Teammates and Coaches for making me the player I was. This Game is a beautiful Game because it has aspects of life through out and this is the time where I have to Be comfortable being Uncomfortable and truly master this thing we call life. To all who know me And those who Don't My slogan for life will always be Don't get ready, Stay Ready!!! God Bless!"

– Michael Brockers via Instagram

Brockers, a Texas native and an LSU alumnus, entered the NFL spotlight when the then-St. Louis Rams selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 2012 draft. His impressive collegiate career at LSU set the stage for what would be a solid professional journey.

Over nine seasons with the Rams, Brockers amassed a notable stat line: 395 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 62 quarterback hits, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across 138 games, with 136 of those being starts.

His career was not without its twists and turns. In the 2020 offseason, Brockers briefly appeared to be joining the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year, $30 million contract, but the deal was voided due to concerns that arose during his physical examination. Brockers then re-signed with the Rams on a three-year, $24 million contract in April of the same year.

Brockers' tenure with the Rams was punctuated by the team's relocation to Los Angeles in 2016, where he, alongside Aaron Donald, played a pivotal role in the team's defensive prowess during the "Mob Squad" era.

In March 2021, Brockers' journey took him to the Detroit Lions following a trade for a 2023 seventh-round pick. After two seasons with the Lions, he was released from the team in February 2023.

As he transitions away from the gridiron, Brockers leaves behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to the sport.