Brockers stays sharp for ninth Rams season
Chavez, LSU star works in Tomball after Ravens deal falters over injury
Michael Brockers dipped his shoulders, lowered his center of gravity and smacked his 91⁄8 inch right hand into a blocking pad held by private coach Brandon Jordan during a workout in Tomball.
The veteran Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle and Chavez graduate accelerated into a powerful pass rushing move: a stabclub to rip past Jordan, an offensive and defensive line coaching specialist, to hone his skills during this unique NFL offseason derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Brockers, 29, is doing everything he can to maintain his high standard as he enters his ninth NFL season.
“You’ve always got to get that work,” said Brockers, the 14th overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft. “You’ve got to get that work in, no matter what.”
A former first-round draft pick from LSU who starred at Chavez, Brockers rejoined the Rams in April. His three-year, $30 million agreement in principle that included $21 million guaranteed with the Baltimore Ravens fell apart due to medical concerns. The Ravens had questions about Brockers’ left ankle and were unable to have him travel for a physical due to restrictions prompted by the global health crisis.
Brockers, who lives in Pearland, wound up returning to Rams in April when he signed a threeyear, $24 million contract with a maximum value of $31 million, including incentives.
“A weird situation, but I’m a religious believer. I believe in Christ,” said
Brockers, a married father with three children. “It all happened like it’s supposed to. Baltimore was the first team up after free agency hit its top point. That’s what I wanted to do, but it all worked out.
“At the end, for me to be with the Rams, I just enjoy it. My wife is happy she doesn’t have to move. It’s definitely a great experience, and we’re happy with the outcome.”
Brockers looked extremely healthy while working with Jordan, displaying explosiveness and quickness as he used his left foot to plant and pivot during drills.
“Beat the hand, beat the man,” Jordan said. “The game is kind of evolving. If you’ve got good hands and good feet, that’s a killer combination. That’s the way to beat an offensive lineman. Brockers is an ‘OG’ in the game with great power, good hands, good feet. He’s rare with his body type, great guy, student of the game. He’s great.”
Said Brockers: “Brandon is great, good guy. We love and appreciate all the work he gives us.”
Brockers is the longesttenured defensive player on a defense headlined by former NFL Defensive Player of the Year defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Brockers (6-5, 305 pounds) has lined up alongside Donald since 2014.
“It’s a little weird,” Brockers said of playing with Donald, one of the most impactful players in the league. “It’s a little bit of love and hate. You love him because you know he’s going to make the play, but he’s going to make a lot of the plays.
“At the same time, it’s great to watch greatness. It has something to do with motivation. Seeing him makes me strive to do better. That’s why I like playing with him.”
Brockers is back with an NFC West franchise two years removed from a Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. The Rams fell to 9-7 last season.
“Yes sir, that’s what drives us,” Brockers said. “After the Super Bowl loss, guys got right back into the weight room. It’s that same feeling. We feel like we left a lot of games out there on the field where we feel like we could have won. For us, it’s definitely a little fuel to our fire.”
Brockers has recorded 342 career tackles, 23 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He can’t wait to get back on the field whenever football resumes.
“We’re definitely going to have some football,” Brockers said. “Right now, we continue to work. We do have football coming up. Whenever those dates come up, we’re going to be ready.”