Rams might have found new punt returner after NFC Championship gaffe

Six months ago, a muffed punt cost the Rams a chance to earn a spot in the Super Bowl.On Saturday at Rams training camp, running back Kyren Williams handled the punt return duties, just as he did in the fourth quarter at Lumen Field in Seattle in the NFC Championship loss to the Seahawks.Xavier Smith, whose costly bobble in the third quarter proved to be a turning point, is still listed as the team’s starting punt returner.But Williams’ reps at the position is another reminder that nobody inside the Rams’ building is trusted more than the man who has built his career around serving everyone but himself.Williams was the Rams’ Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee in 2025 thanks to his selflessness and generosity off the field.

He doesn’t treat community service like another item on his calendar.He doesn’t squeeze it between meetings or use it to polish a public image.

He talks about serving others with the same conviction he talks about perfecting a jump cut or blocking a blitzing linebacker.For him, football isn’t separate from service.It’s the platform that allows him to live it.Far too often, professional sports celebrate charity as an accessory.Teams issue a press release, players hand out backpacks, cameras roll, everyone moves on.

It’s good work, but sometimes it can feel transactional.Not with Williams.The Rams’ star running back spent his precious off day on Thursday working with the community.Two days later, he stood in front of reporters after practice and explained why.“That’s just who I am.

I feel like the way I got into this game, the way I was inspired by this game was through community service, and it was through the Rams,” Williams said.“That’s what I do because I know exactly what it feels like to be touched by an NFL player and to be inspired by an NFL player.

I want that for everybody that I come in contact with because it’s all possible.”Long before he became one of the NFL’s most productive running b...