Rams Release Orlando Pace

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The St. Louis Rams unloaded the foundation (literally) of their offensive line for the past 12 seasons today. To clear some much needed space under the salary cap ($6 million, in fact), left tackle Orlando Pace was released. Rams Owner/Chairman Chip Rosenbloom made the following statement today:

“I can’t begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization, since we selected him with the first overall pick in the 1997 draft. It is never easy to end a relationship that has had as much success as ours, but in the best interest of Orlando and the Rams, we feel now is the right time. As a Super Bowl Champion and seven-time Pro Bowler, he has been a true professional and will always go down as one of the finest Rams of all time. We wish him, Carla and their children the very best as they move onto the next chapter of their football journey.”

Is there really going to be another chapter in Orlando’s football journey? Twelve years of playing left tackle at 325 pounds has taken its toll. Orlando had season-ending injuries in 2006 and 2007 that limited him to nine games in each those two years. Granted, he did manage to play in 14 games last season, but he’s 33-years-old and I don’t know if attempting more football at this point makes much sense. I believe if there’s a market for him — if there’s money to be made and he feels up to it, we’ll see him in another uniform in 2009. Otherwise, he has nothing left to prove. He can chill for five years and get ready for his Hall of Fame induction. Because that’s where he belongs.

Source: StLouisRams.com, Photo: Newscom