THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) Michael Brockers’ time away from the Los Angeles Rams was tough on both the defensive tackle and his teammates and coaches, who all rely on their veteran leader for much more than his prowess on the field.
So when Sean McVay heard Brockers’ trademark laughter booming through the team’s pregame breakfast room last Saturday in Seattle, the coach knew everybody’s job had just become easier.
“It just felt like you were alive again,” McVay said. “Brock’s back, and everything’s going to be OK. He just brings life to the group.”
Brockers had only just arrived from his coronavirus quarantine, which began on New Year’s Eve and lasted right up until before game time. Brockers took a separate flight to Seattle and slept in a different hotel before joining his teammates that morning and playing with no practice in the previous two weeks.