nypost
Rob Havenstein, who once protected quarterbacks by blocking Chicago Bears defenders, has now hunted and killed a real bear. The former Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle announced in a Thursday social media post that he shot a large mature brown bear during a recent expedition to Alaska.
In a carousel of 14 photos shared on his Instagram account, the 34-year-old displayed the enormous animal he harvested. In the caption, the recently retired NFL player expressed his excitement about the adventure that led to his impressive trophy.
Havenstein wrote, "I knew when I retired that I wanted to go somewhere wild, experience something outside of my comfort zone and chase incredible critters. Alaskan Brown Bear presented that opportunity. The main goal was obviously to hunt a mature brown bear, but what I took home with me was so much more than that. Appreciation for these incredible animals and the beautiful habitat they live in. From snowy mountain peaks, bountiful salmon waters and wet and windy gravel beaches. A truly remarkable hunt."
The photos he posted made the bear's sheer mass evident. Havenstein, who stands 6 feet 8 and weighs 322 pounds and played right tackle for the Rams, appeared to be less than half the size of the animal.
One commenter wrote, "Bro that thing is massive! Well done good sir." Multiple NFL players visited Havenstein's comment section to congratulate him on the hunt, including current Rams defensive back Josh Wallace, who joked, "If you see me with a bear, save the bear !!!"
Havenstein was selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft and spent his entire 11-year career with the organization. He won one Super Bowl, and Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay called him an all-time Ram after he announced his retirement in February.
McVay said of Havenstein, "He's a legacy player. He's a legacy human being, more importantly."
Key Analysis
Havenstein's transition from the gridiron to the wilderness highlights a notable post-retirement pursuit. His successful hunt and the reactions from former teammates and fans underscore his enduring legacy both on and off the field.
Originally reported by nypost.