(Opening Statement)
Snead: “I’ll open this by saying, I think it’s been well said, we thought the guy in the middle here had some kind of once in every now and then talent we couldn’t pass on. I’ll say this, he’s joining a heck of a group of running backs. Starting with (RB) Chase (Reynolds), (RB) Isaiah (Pead) the roles they play, (RB) Benny (Cunningham), (RB) Zac (Stacy). (RB) Tre Mason was an explosive player as a rookie and is still one of our explosive players. So he’s going to join a backfield – that I got to give those guys credit because they’re a good crew. He’s only going to add to us. Cool being a lifetime (former Rams’ RB) Eric Dickerson fan – he was my favorite pro football player and to have Eric call and want to chat with Todd Gurley that kind of connects us all. Growing up in Alabama Eric Dickerson was my favorite player. Lastly before I transition to coach, I think it’s fitting that as another successful head coach said last night, Jon Gruden said that Jeff Fisher’s at his best when he’s got a team that’s going to run the football. So it’s fitting that coach ‘Fish’ is the guy who kind of, he saved the running back, brought him back to the first round. With that I’ll pass to Coach Fisher.”
Fisher: “We’re currently trying to get in touch with Eric because we want to see if his jersey number is available because we don’t have that. Do you like No.35? How’s that? No. 41? If we put a 40 on you, you’re going to get slow. (Laughs) So we’re trying to find a jersey number for him.”
We had a really good visit. I got to meet his folks this morning and our purpose obviously is to create an opportunity for you guys to ask him questions. He got to meet with (Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott) our head trainer. Will be able to visit with our ‘doc.’ when we’re done here. So we’re in good shape, ready to go, have a plan. So happy to introduce Todd Gurley to you all.”
(On how the conversation went with Eric Dickerson and what did he have to say)
Gurley: “First off, I just want to thank Coach Fisher, Les and (Rams’ Owner/Chairman) Mr. Kroenke for drafting me. But, I got a chance to talk to Eric earlier today. He just congratulated me and told me if I ever needed anything feel free to contact him.”
(On how does it feel to be a part of a team with a rich history of running backs and to be potentially the next in line)
Gurley: “It feels great. It motivates you to aim high, reach your goals and pick their brain and just motivation. Just try to come in and fit in somewhere and do the best you can.”
(On what has his schedule been since being drafted)
Gurley: “Get picked and then after that you do a lot of media after the draft. So I was up there in Chicago, so you do about an hour and a half worth of media, just going around. Get ready at night and pack your stuff and head here. So I’ve been here since about 10 (am) this morning and visiting with everyone.”
(On if he got much sleep last night)
Gurley: “No, probably a couple hours.”
(On what was his mindset was when he was waiting for his name to be called)
Gurley: “You’re just waiting and trying to stay relaxed. I’m a funny guy so I just like to tell a couple jokes, just make sure everybody keeps their spirits high and just waiting on that phone call for sure.”
(On if he has a joke)
Gurley: “Well, when I was in the green room I had my phone on me and I was like, ‘Dang man maybe I have bad service in here because there aren’t any teams calling me right now.’’ (Laughs)
(On if he asked somebody to call him to check his service)
Gurley: “No I didn’t. Actually, somebody did call me from back home and I was like, ‘Don’t ever call my phone again.’ (Laughs) Yeah, not on this night.”
(On what have the past five months of rehab been like)
Gurley: “It’s been fun. A little slow. It’s been a fun process just visiting teams and combine and just working out, rehabbing. It’s finally here, I’m a Ram and I’m just happy to be where I’m at today.”
Snead: “I had one problem with the rehab process when he sent that Instagram picture out with him on the treadmill. That was the only thing I didn’t like about the process. It was for selfish reasons.”
Gurley: “Just wanted to show my speed off.”
(On how he thinks the process of meeting the team trainer and doctors will go)
“It’ll go fine. I got a chance to talk to the trainer earlier today and we’ll create a plan and going on from that. Hopefully, everything will start going good.”
(On who has been the most influential person during his football career)
Gurley: “My family just motivating me to do better and be active in sports. Just getting better everyday. Especially, NFL players that I watched growing up and I wanted to be like them. It finally feels good to reach your dream.”
(On when he knew he wanted to play football)
Gurley: “I knew this since I was young, about five years old. I would always watch the NFL. Grew up a big football fan, played football every year. I knew I wanted to do this since day one and this dream has finally been accomplished.”
(On if he made this decision when he was in kindergarten)
Gurley: “I started playing football when I was five years old. So I was like, ‘I want to be in the NFL.’”
