Rams Tight End’s ‘Unbelievable’ Trait Wows Stafford, McVay

Support Local Media - Click to Add LA Sports Report as a Preferred Source on GoogleRams quarterback Matthew Stafford is widely regarded as one of the toughest players in NFL history.So for him to be impressed, you must be doing something right.“If you guys knew the half of it,” Stafford said, speaking to the media following the Rams’ Week 7 win in Las Vegas. “This guy’s unbelievable.”Who is ‘this guy?’None other than tight end Colby Parkinson.Colby Parkinson’s toughness impresses Parkinson, in his seventh NFL season and third in LA, left Sunday’s win multiple times with injuries, but always returned. And provided.The 27-year-old tallied five receptions for 48 yards, second only to Puka Nacua on the day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA Sports Report (@lasportsreport)This shouldn’t come as a surprise to the Rams, though. Parkinson’s been listed on the team’s injury report from Weeks 3-8 with various knee, shoulder and rib injuries. However, he has only missed one game (a Week 4 win in Philadelphia). “His attitude has been unbelievable for what all is going on with him,” Stafford added. “Proud to be a teammate of him.”“You play a long time in this league and certain people just show up and keep showing up no matter what. And we got a bunch of those guys on this team. He’s one of them.” Coach Sean McVay echoed his quarterback, adding he “can’t say enough good things about him.”“What a resilient, gutsy competitor. He represents so many things that are right about our place, our group. He’s such a special human, such a tough player… It’s an honor to coach him.”How Colby Parkinson Embodies the Rams’ CultureParkinson’s grit and resiliency are just a snippet of the kind of player he is, and how he embodies what it means to be a Ram. McVay often preaches the “We Not Me” to his locker room: emphasizing team goals over individual recognition. When asked about what keeps him, Parkinson deflected the credit. “I think it starts with the culture that Sean has instilled in us as an organization,” Parkinson told LA Sports Report. “We’re not out there chasing statistics. We’re not out there chasing personal gain.”“We’re trying to do what we can to help the team win and I feel like if I’m on the field, I’m able to help the team win and obviously if I’m not, I can’t do so much.”For a Super Bowl-hopeful team that’s dealt with a slew of injuries to its stars— Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kobie Turner have all missed time— Parkinson’s presence on the field is especially appreciated.How is Colby Parkinson performing for the Rams this season? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ava Brand (@avaonbrand)Parkinson has 14 receptions on 19 targets through his first six games this season. He is sixth on the team and second among tight ends with 103 yards and has one touchdown. He is once again listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup vs. the Chargers. He was a DNP at practice all week.But as has been the case this season, do not be surprised if you see Parkinson suit up and contribute.“I find it easy to work hard for that group of guys,” he told LA Sports Report. “I love those guys and it’s a lot of fun to go out on the field every day with them.”The post Rams Tight End’s ‘Unbelievable’ Trait Wows Stafford, McVay appeared first on LA Sports Report.