Social Media Reacts to Rams Andrew Whitworth's Retirement

After 16 seasons in the league, including 11 with Cincinnati and five with the Rams organization, Andrew Whitworth is a Super Bowl champion. Ironically, it was his old team, the Bengals, the Rams narrowly defeated to win the Lombardi Trophy. That's quite possibly the definition of a storybook ending.

Whitworth was also named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year winner this season, an honor he was nominated for multiple times before finally winning it this year.

But on Tuesday, Whitworth officially called it quits.

Whitworth is leaving the NFL after putting together a stellar career at quite possibly one of the most demanding positions, making the Pro Bowl four times, and being voted a first-team All-Pro twice.

Whitworth's retirement will create the need to replace him on the offensive line as it appears the recently re-signed Joe Noteboom will slide into that spot. It opens up $9 million of cap space in the form of Whitworth's 2022 salary.

Media and fans took advantage of social media to let the 40-year-old Whitworth know how much they appreciated his career and to celebrate his run in the league. Below are some Tweets and reactions from some of Whitworth's fans and those who covered him in the media during his time in Cincinnati and Los Angeles.

Andrew Whitworth has announced his retirement from the #NFL.

🏈16 seasons
🏈4X Pro Bowler
🏈2X All-Pro
🏈2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year
🏈Only 40-year-old OT in league history.
🏈#SBLVI CHAMP

Is he headed to Canton next? pic.twitter.com/oFEnXKMst5
— Tipico Sportsbook (@tipico) March 15, 2022

Thanks for everything Big Whit. A culture changer immediately following the McVay hire. https://t.co/lCuZ9M2ak7
— Ry (@JustRyCole) March 15, 2022

Two all-timers. Two Super Bowl champions. Both legends in their own right. Both future HOF’ers. Will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/pMvsDMUY7y
— Rams Bros. (@RamsBrothers) March 15, 2022

Extremely cool player. When he was in Cincinnati, there was a late season game against the Chargers where he got moved to guard in a pinch and he just dominated on counter runs. https://t.co/U2pCIeboCq
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) March 15, 2022

16 seasons mostly spent at one of the toughest positions in football. 4 Pro Bowl selections. 2 All-Pro selections. One Super Bowl ring. A great career. https://t.co/ecRNnPfAP9
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) March 15, 2022

Walking off your NFL career with Walter Payton Man of the Year and a Super Bowl ring is pretty, pretty sweet https://t.co/bUIXjvxABc
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 15, 2022

Nothing but respect, Big Whit. https://t.co/M0V1S4kK4s
— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) March 15, 2022

So happy for Big Whit, man. All those years in Cincy coming close (or worse)...what a way to go out. https://t.co/Y95lZVESeS
— Ryan Burns (@FtblSickness) March 15, 2022

Andrew Whitworth just announced he was retiring. Thank you for everything Big Whit! One of the greatest Rams free agent pickups of all time
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) March 15, 2022

You can follow Timm Hamm on Twitter at @IndyCarTim

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