THOUSAND OAKS, CA — As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to defend their Super Bowl Championship this season beginning on Thursday night as they host the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium, head coach Sean McVay knew the team needed a different voice and motivational speaker and author Eric Thomas was the perfect one to inspire.
Thomas is a world renowned speaker that has inspired many, including athletes, entertainers, politicians, and everyday citizens who lend an ear to his powerful and truthful messages to the world.
“He’s a guy when you look at, and we haven’t had a whole of people speak to our group whether it’s John Gordon, Inky Johnson, and he’s a guy when you pull videos of a guy that demonstrates resilience and overcoming adversity,” McVay said about wanting Thomas present to speak to the players. “Having some charisma and some swag that the guys can really relate to, and I think Eric checks all of those boxes. His values, the messaging is very much in alignment with the things that we value. The guys were really locked into it, really I think it was just more of a fit and kind of a similar value system that we all have.”
The Rams have always marched to the beat of their own drum in a way that is head and shoulders above the competition and doing whatever is needed to get the team on the same page in the moments throughout the season.
Thomas’ words have continued to match his work ethic consistently, which has produced major results not only in his life but many others that have come into the knowledge of the practical wisdom of Thomas. Understanding the target that is on their backs this season from every opponent they face, it was imperative for the team to hear from Thomas who made sure they understand they must give 120 at all times. Thomas’ philosophy of 120 (is giving above and beyond what’s required and above 100%), is something that resonated with many of the players in a unique way especially star cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
“What impacted me was more of a leadership challenge, not just yourself being that leader or being like that lion,” Ramsey said. “Bringing all of your teammates with you as well, so ya’ll can do it collectively as a team and that’s what impacted me the most from him speaking.”
Thomas, who started his journey from the bottom as a teenager eating out of trash cans, to elevating himself back into school, and ultimately achieving his doctorate degree is a remarkable story. However, it didn’t happen overnight, it took sacrifice, love, dedication, accountability, responsibility, and service which are the principles he teaches through in-person speeches, video chats, and daily digital videos on his YouTube channel.
“Blessed to be able to speak to Super Bowl Champion Rams. Great to see familiar faces and meet some new ones. Huge shoutout to (cornerback) Jalen Ramsey, (quarterback) Matthew Stafford, and head coach Sean McVay for the hospitality,” Thomas wrote via his Instagram page.
The Rams host the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, September 8 at 5:20PM PST on NBC.
