With some time before the Los Angeles Rams training camp begins, I’ve noticed myself in a reflective mood lately. Part of that can be attributed to ongoing life changes, and remembering that this week marks five years since I started writing for Turf Show Times.
That can’t be right — has it really been five years already? Man, where does the time go? Indeed, it’s true what they say: time flies when you’re having fun, and I’ve had a blast being part of this community.
I began my time at TST completely
by chance. One day, I was surfing the interwebs and encountered an article titled “Want to become an NFL writer?” The rest, as the kids apparently say today, is history. Little did I know where this writing venture would take me, and I’ll be forever grateful for everything it’s given me.
And since I’ve been in such a reflective mood, I wanted to power rank my five favorite articles since my run began in July 2021, if you’re willing to indulge in this trip down memory lane with me.
1.) A Rams retirement gift for Tom Brady (Feb. 2, 2023)
This was written after Tom Brady announced his retirement for the second time, though it thankfully stuck following his failed first attempt. Writing these quirky, letter-formatted articles is a way for me to try something different and really put my English degree to the test — I had to put it to use somehow.
If you haven’t noticed, I often work humor into my articles wherever possible. That has always been how I’ve written creatively, again, wherever appropriate. I understand that it is not for everyone, and that is perfectly fine. Just know that I’m unfortunately unable to give refunds. Believe me, I would if I could.
Plus, one can never rip Tom Brady enough, since it’s very therapeutic. He seems like a nice guy, until you realize he went 6-4 against the Rams between their time in St. Louis and Los Angeles, and defeated them in two Super Bowls. The nerve!
2.) Puka Nacua has Robert Woods 2.0 written all over him (May 6, 2023)
During the 2023 and 2024 NFL drafts, each TST writer wrote multiple profiles of the selected players, given the size of those classes. Puka Nacua was one of mine following the ‘23 draft. It’s truly been a remarkable sight watching Nacua blossom into one of the NFL’s top receivers in such a short span.
Nacua kicked off his career setting the NFL record for most receiving yards and receptions by a rookie wideout. Then, last season, he earned first-team All-Pro honors, as an injury earlier in the year likely prevented him from nabbing Offensive Player of the Year honors over the eventual winner, Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Either way, the guy has been a walking highlight reel, and seemingly every week you tune in, he’s breaking a new record.
Fingers crossed that he can continue to keep out of trouble, because nothing compares to watching him shred a defense with ease.
3.) Airing my grievances towards the 2024 Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 23, 2024)
“Seinfeld” references were already part of American culture, yet an annual airing of the grievances towards one’s football team should be an annual tradition if it’s not already in your household.
I’ll admit this wasn’t the most original idea I’ve come up with, considering I drew some inspiration from other sports outlets doing the same. But again, Festivus is a tradition for all, and it feels pretty damn good letting this stuff out about the Rams every season. Some years are admittedly tougher than others for coming up with grievances.
Still, there’s always something delightfully nasty to say about the 49ers. The 2024 edition of my grievances featured what I consider to be my favorite troll job of the Whiners to date.
4.) Rams Reflections: What is the most impactful squad in team history? (Feb. 4. 2024)
Learning about important moments in NFL history is essential. I’ve written several posts looking back at important moments and teams in Rams lore, and no team quite embodied that like the 1946 squad.
In February 2024, Sports Illustrated named the ‘46 Rams as one of the most influential teams ever. They were the first team to expand away from the confines of the eastern part of the United States. Kenny Washington and Woody Strode made L.A. the first team to integrate after the end of World War II. So yeah, this team was a big, BIG deal, and that’s putting it extremely lightly.
There’s only so much I can do when telling these stories, yet in any way they can be told just to make more people aware of their existence, I’ll continue to do so. The moment it gets passed along proves that it was a story worth telling, and the Rams certainly have plenty of those.
5.) Davante Adams nearing Rams legends in NFL record books (May 23, 2026)
Putting a player’s accomplishments into perspective when taking a historical approach to it is, quite frankly, really cool. I don’t know how many of you can get lost for hours on Pro Football Reference, but I’m one of those people, and sometimes writing ideas spawn from my nerdscrolling.
Davante Adams really has had a special career that deserves more appreciation. He didn’t have the strongest beginning to his career with the Packers until he grew into their undisputed WR1, before later producing with the Raiders, Jets and Rams. The vast majority of football fans know how good Adams is, and this retrospective piece proved that he’s additionally produced a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Also, this post somehow got the attention of Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, so obviously it was going to make the cut in these rankings.
P.S. Mike, if you’re reading this, hi!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you
This was a post I debated doing. I’m not the type of person who enjoys basking in the spotlight. If anything, I prefer to fly under the radar and pray that no one notices me.
However, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read my work over the years. Writing anything that will eventually be published online can be a risky venture, particularly when sports are involved, but it has been a pleasure putting my stuff out there, even if not everything sticks. Interacting with you guys when I’ve been able to has been a joy too. You all are so passionate about your team, and keep it up, as you are the lifeblood of this site.
TST is such a great site to write for because of the talented staff I get to work with, and of course, the endless support from our fearless leader, Kenneth Arthur.
My run at Turf Show Times began ahead of the 2021 campaign and ended with a Rams’ Super Bowl win. Think of all that’s happened over these past five years, with more good times surely to come. Hopefully, another Lombardi Trophy is on the way as well.
Here’s to more wonderful years ahead, Turf Show Ramily.
