Dawgs in the NFL: Make or break years for former Georgia football greats

The former first-round pick will forever be remembered in Georgia football history for his memorable Rose Bowl performance.

Sony’s NFL career did not get off to a bad start either as he led New England in rushing in 2018 and 2019 and scored the only touchdown in Super Bowl LIII as the Patriots defeated the Rams.

2020 was different story. Bill Belichick has a knack for getting rid of players right as their careers start to take a downturn (Tom Brady excluded).

The Patriots drafted Damien Harris in the 2019 draft and when Michel had foot surgery in the 2020 offseason, Harris took the reigns and Sony never seemed to get his lead-dog status back.

This past offseason, the Patriots declined Michel’s fifth-year option, which indicated his tenure with the Patriots was ending after this season regardless of what he did in the 2021 season.

Then, Belichick does what he does best and recouped some assets, trading Sony for 5th and 6th round picks to the injury depleted Rams.

It was a fortuitous landing spot for Sony. He has a chance to work with offensive wonderkid Sean McVay, and play next to another Georgia great that joined the Rams via trade in the offseason, quarterback Matthew Stafford.

All of the ingredients are in place for Sony to have a bounceback year in the City of Angels.