Gurley, 24, wants to spread that kind of joy to fantasy owners everywhere when he and the Rams open the season against the Oakland Raiders on Monday at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
“I just appreciate all the fans that took me in the first round or even better, No. 1 overall,” Gurley said. “So try to show them some support and hopefully we can get the MVP for fantasy football again this year.” Gurley helped owners win their leagues last season when he turned in a performance that also earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Gurley rushed for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns on 279 carries and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. He also caught 64 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 12.3 yards per reception. His 19 total touchdowns led the league. Owners were so grateful that many donated a portion of their winnings to charities supported by Gurley. Shriners Hospitals for Children said more than $50,000 was donated in his name, and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina said it received enough in donations to provide 8,350 meals to area families. A repeat performance by Gurley, now going into his fourth season, is certainly within reach. Before the start of training camp, Gurley signed a record-breaking, four-year extension worth $60 million, with $45 million guaranteed. He’ll play behind the same offensive line as last season, with the exception of the first two games, as right guard Jamon Brown serves a suspension, and he has experienced a second offseason of work with quarterback Jared Goff in coach Sean McVay’s system. Perhaps the only concern is that Gurley, along with the rest of the offensive starters, did not play a single preseason snap, with McVay deciding, among other factors, that he wanted Gurley to remain fresh throughout what could be a long season and deep playoff run. But Gurley doesn’t seem too worried about a lack of preseason playing time. In fact, he relished his final few days without getting tackled. “I'm just waiting my time, enjoying my last couple of days before not being hit,” Gurley said. “It will be fun.” And for any owners wondering where to send donations if Gurley manages to secure another victorious season for them? “I'll give them my Cash App a little later on,” Gurley said, chuckling. “And then I'll figure out the charity.” ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez contributed to this report. |
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December 2018
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