Rob Havenstein, a native of Mount Airy, announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons playing as a right tackle, concluding a career highlighted by a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Throughout his entire professional journey, he remained with the Rams following his selection in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Havenstein’s impressive career was rooted in his college football experience at Wisconsin and his early development at Linganore High School, setting the stage for his rise to one of the league’s most reliable offensive linemen.
From Doubt to Determination: Building an NFL Career
Initially, Havenstein found it hard to imagine a long and successful NFL career for himself. He admitted that such achievements once seemed as unlikely as mythical things.
I probably would’ve laughed and been like, ‘Hey, unicorns are real as well. When you have kids, they’re going to go to bed on time,’ all those fantasies you hear about and everything like that,
Havenstein said on Glenn Clark Radio March 2.
It’s been an incredible run. It’s nothing I could have dreamed of what my career would actually shape out to be.
His confidence grew as he observed teammates from Wisconsin entering the NFL, gradually realizing his own opportunity was within reach.
I saw those guys getting drafted, and I was like, ‘Oh, this might be a real thing,’
Havenstein shared.
Like, I’ve actually got a chance here to kind of make it in this league or at least have a start.
Commitment to Fundamentals Sustained Longevity
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 323 pounds, Havenstein’s career as a right tackle included starting 148 regular-season games. His 2025 season alone featured 461 offensive snaps, with high marks in both pass protection and run blocking, recording minimal quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus.
Havenstein credited his extended tenure in the NFL to dedication to fundamental skills and hard work.
The secret sauce is just the basics,
he emphasized.
You heard Kobe talking about it all the time. ‘I’m going to do the fundamentals better than you.’ That’s kind of the approach I took.
Veteran Mentors Helped Forge His Professional Mindset
Havenstein also recognized the impact of experienced teammates in guiding his development during his tenure with the Rams.
I was lucky enough to have guys like Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan come [to the Rams] in 2017 and kind of take me under their wing and really show me what a 10-plus-year NFL veteran looks like,
he said.
Winning the Super Bowl Highlighted His Career
One of the most memorable moments for Havenstein was the Rams’ triumph in Super Bowl LVI at the end of the 2021 season, a close 23-20 victory over Cincinnati.
Even just talking about it now, I’ve got tingles kind of going up my spine,
Havenstein recalled. He vividly remembered the emotional instant when the game ended.
As soon as my feet left the sideline to hit that grass and I realized, ‘That game is over, we have won the Super Bowl,’ I’m talking about tears streaming down my face,
he shared.
Physical Demands and Family Commitments Prompt Retirement
The wear and tear of professional football, along with his personal life, influenced Havenstein’s decision to step away from the sport.
I don’t physically think I could do it anymore, No. 1, or do it to the level that I have set for myself,
he explained.
… I’ve got three kids. I want to make soccer games.
Looking Ahead: Family Time and New Possibilities
Now retired, Havenstein plans to spend more time with his wife Meaghan and their daughters Bria, Lucy, and Cora. He is also exploring future opportunities beyond football while enjoying some downtime with his family.
We’re just kind of taking it easy right now … seeing what’s out there,
he said.
