Why Myles Garrett waived no-trade clause to join Rams: Bit of urgency

Myles Garrett is officially a Los Angeles Ram. Garrett arrived in Los Angeles for a physical and an introductory press conference on Tuesday and told everyone exactly why he waived his no-trade clause and agreed to leave the only NFL franchise he had ever known. Garrett has ties to LA through his father who was born here, his friendship with Lakers’ superstar LeBron James, and his Olympic gold medalist girlfriend Chloe Kim, who is from nearby Torrance. Leaving Cleveland for the sunshine of Southern California, the beach, palm trees and plenty of primetime games seemed like a no-brainer for Garrett, but that’s the lazy narrative.The truth is a lot more complicated. “It definitely wasn’t an easy decision,” said Garrett.

“I don’t take my time in Cleveland for granted.I did love being there.

My family and I have become a part of the community.I started to plant roots.

I had a home there, I was becoming friends with all the people in the neighborhood.”So what ultimately led to Garrett’s decision to uplift those roots in Cleveland and come to L.A.? Winning.That’s it. “Since the very beginning, it’s always been about winning,” Garrett said.“The opportunity to come here, have an immediate and profound impact on this team, it was something I just had to move forward with.”Garrett is 30 years old and in his prime.

He is the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner.Last season he broke the NFL’s all-time single season sack record with 23.

He has already built a Hall of Fame résumé and become one of the greatest players in Cleveland Browns history. But do you know what he doesn’t have? A Super Bowl ring. And deep down, Garrett knows that time doesn’t carry about how many sacks he had in a season. “I see an opportunity to solidify myself here as among the very greats,” said Garrett of playing for the Rams.“I still have plenty of great years in front of me.

I’m able to cement that legacy not only as a foo...