Key Highlights
- Jake McQuaide returns to the Los Angeles Rams after a decade with the team.
- McQuaide will help solve the field goal operations puzzle alongside Ethan Evans and Joshua Karty.
- The long snapper emphasizes fitting into what is already in place at his new team.
- Fatherhood influenced McQuaide’s decision to step away from football temporarily.
Return of the Long Snapper: Jake McQuaide Joins Rams
Long snapper Jake McQuaide, who spent his first decade in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams, is back after a brief hiatus from football. The move was unexpected but welcomed by McQuaide, who expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the team’s operations.
A Family Decision
McQuaide and his wife made a family decision to take football out of the “driver’s seat” to ensure greater stability for their children. This decision came after seeing the challenges that professional football can pose for a player’s family, particularly with respect to their children’s well-being.
Fitting In
McQuaide emphasized his approach to integrating into the team: “I come in and fit into whatever they already do,” he said. “You don’t ever say, like – I don’t ever come in and say, ‘Hey, I like to do this.’ It’s always, you talk to the guys who are here, whether I was in Minnesota or Miami or Chicago, whatever team, you go in, you say, ‘What do you guys like? I’m gonna try to do that for you.'” This philosophy reflects his commitment to collaborating and adapting to the existing dynamics of the team.
The Process
McQuaide trained on his own at home during his break from football. He maintained a rigorous routine, focusing on staying ready without the usual accountability structure present in training camp or regular practice sessions. This self-discipline was crucial as he prepared for an opportunity that came unexpectedly.
A Coach’s Perspective
After spending time coaching his third-grade son’s youth football team, McQuaide received a call from Rams head coach Sean McVay. The long snapper reflected on the timing and stated, “It just has some weird way of working out.” McQuaide remains committed to maintaining his high level of play despite the break in his career.
Looking Ahead
The Rams currently feature third-year punter Ethan Evans and second-year kicker Joshua Karty. McQuaide’s return will add depth to these positions, providing continuity and experience that can be crucial for field goal operations. His approach of fitting into the existing structure aligns with his philosophy of contributing to the team’s success in any role.
McQuaide’s journey back to the Rams highlights the unpredictable nature of professional football and the importance of family considerations in an athlete’s career decisions. As he prepares for a new chapter, McQuaide remains focused on his role and the contributions he can make to the team’s success.
