Turf Show Times
With some time before the Los Angeles Rams training camp begins, I’ve noticed myself in a reflective mood lately. Part of that can be attributed to ongoing life changes, and remembering that this week marks five years since I started writing for Turf Show Times.
That can’t be right — has it really been five years already? Man, where does the time go? Indeed, it’s true what they say: time flies when you’re having fun, and I’ve had a blast being part of this community.
I began my time at TST completely by chance. One day, I was surfing the interwebs and encountered an article titled “Want to become an NFL writer?” The rest, as the kids apparently say today, is history. Little did I know where this writing venture would take me, and I’ll be forever grateful for everything it’s given me.
And since I’ve been in such a reflective mood, I wanted to power rank my five favorite articles since my run began in July 2021, if you’re willing to indulge in this trip down memory lane with me.
This was written after Tom Brady announced his retirement for the second time, though it thankfully stuck following his failed first attempt. Writing these quirky, letter-formatted articles is a way for me to try something different and really put my English degree to the test — I had to put it to use somehow.
If you haven’t noticed, I often work humor into my articles wherever possible. That has always been how I’ve written creatively, again, wherever appropriate. I understand that it is not for everyone, and that is perfectly fine. Just know that I’m unfortunately unable to give refunds. Believe me, I would if I could.
Plus, one can never rip Tom Brady enough, since it’s very therapeutic. He seems like a nice guy, until you realize he went 6-4 against the Rams between their time in St. Louis and Los Angeles, and defeated them in two Super Bowls. The nerve!
During the 2023 and 2024 NFL drafts, each TST writer wrote multiple profiles of the selected players, given the size of those classes. Puka Nacua was one of mine following the ‘23 draft. It’s truly been a remarkable sight watching Nacua blossom into one of the NFL’s top receivers in such a short span.
Nacua kicked off his career setting the NFL record for most receiving yards and receptions by a rookie wideout. Then, last season, he earned first-team All-Pro honors, as an injury earlier in the year likely prevented him from nabbing Offensive Player of the Year honors over the eventual winner, Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Either way, the guy has been a walking highlight reel, and seemingly every week you tune in, he’s breaking a new record.
Fingers crossed that he can continue to keep out of trouble, because nothing...
