THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The last bridge to St. Louis has officially closed. Rob Havenstein, the towering offensive tackle who anchored the Los Angeles Rams’ line for over a decade, announced his retirement Tuesday following an injury-shortened 2025 season. After 161 career starts, a Super Bowl LVI ring, and four consecutive years as team captain, the 33-year-old hangs up his cleats as one of the most consistent linemen in franchise history.
More Than Just a Right Tackle
Havenstein’s final campaign didn’t follow the script. An ankle injury placed him on injured reserve in November, limiting him to just seven starts in 2025. Yet, you wouldn’t know he was sidelined by watching the practice film. Even while injured, Havenstein remained a fixture in the offensive line room, effectively serving as a “fourth coach” for his replacement, Warren McClendon Jr.
Drafted in the second round in 2015, Havenstein was the definition of durability before this season. He started every single game he played—148 regular-season contests and 13 playoff battles. His exit marks a massive shift for a unit that has relied on his 6-foot-8 presence since the Jeff Fisher era.
“He’s A Guy You Want In Your Foxhole”
The numbers get him in the record books, but the locker room stories explain why his departure stings. Teammates didn’t just respect Havenstein; they leaned on him for everything from pass-blocking techniques to parenting advice.
“The more that I’m around Rob, the more I love him… I look at it, having two sons now, when my sons eventually go through something like this [adversity], I hope they handle it the way Rob Havenstein has.” — Sean McVay, Rams Head Coach
Guard Kevin Dotson, who joined the team in 2023, revealed a friendship that went far beyond the hash marks. Dotson even gifted Havenstein a pair of Cartier Buff sunglasses—a nod to their close bond.
“It was just way more than football friendship… He’s always been a mentor to everybody in the room. He’s always been really the following figure of the room. So to have him do that [help his replacements], you almost expected from him.” — Kevin Dotson, Rams Guard
Rams Roster Implications: The McClendon Era Begins
Havenstein’s retirement clears $34.5 million off the books from his 2022 extension, but it leaves a massive leadership void. The Rams got a preview of life without #79 late this season, with Warren McClendon Jr. stepping in at right tackle. McClendon showed promise, but replacing a decade of consistency is a tall order.
General Manager Les Snead now faces a decision: hand the keys fully to McClendon or draft a premium tackle in April to compete for the spot. With Alaric Jackson and Steve Avila solidifying the rest of the line, the Rams have a core to build around, but they just lost their rudder.
