DAYTONA, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Brad Keselowski (#6 RFK Racing Kohler Generators Ford) leads during the Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on February 20, 2022 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Now that they no longer having to work on Sunday, Matthew Stafford and Andrew Whitworth found a fun way to conclude the weekend.
Two weeks removed from their Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Los Angeles Rams stars took advantage of their time off by going to Auto Club Speedway.
The honorary guests arrived in Fontana, California, to give the command for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race. Since the left tackle and quarterback developed a tight rapport over the season, Whitworth and Stafford didn’t seem too worried about telling racers to start their engines.
LA Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth brought some help to give the command today … his quarterback Matthew Stafford.
What they said about giving the command in Fontana: pic.twitter.com/b33dAywoG4
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 27, 2022
“It’s just like running plays,” Whitworth said. “We’ve done a couple of rehearsals. We’re ready. We’re just going to wing it and let it happen.”
“Yeah, we talked about it about 30 seconds ago out there,” Stafford added, “and we feel really good about it. It’s going to go really smooth.”
Both admitted that they didn’t grow up following NASCAR closely, but they’ve gained respect and admiration for the sport over the years. They lauded the excitement and energy attached to witnessing a race live.
LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and tackle Andrew Whitworth talk about becoming NASCAR fans later in life after attending races at Talladega. pic.twitter.com/QHlkQVfmqB
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 27, 2022
Stafford isn’t staying impartial during his ceremonial duties. He’s “obviously” rooting for Chase Elliott, who is also from Georgia and dons the No. 9.
Let’s see if Elliott fares as well as Stafford, who steered the Rams to a championship — with protection from Whitworth and Co. — at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
