Los Angeles focused on revamping its secondary this offseason by bringing in cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. While Peters is still entering the peak of his NFL career — with just three seasons under his belt — Talib is headed towards what he referred to as the "later half of my career."
At 32 years old, the Kansas product is entering his 11th season in the league, has five Pro Bowls to his name, and will be playing on his fifth NFL team. And as the active leader in interceptions (34) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (10), Talib had a few big-name suitors pursuing him this offseason.
So, why the Rams for Talib? Why a fresh start in Los Angeles? Instead of trying to define the cornerback's reasoning, therams.com decided to pose the question to Talib himself.
Check out photos of Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib being introduced as Los Angeles Rams
With that in mind, here is Aqib Talib in his own words.
On wanting to to be traded only to Los Angeles or to the Patriots:
"Well, I'm in the later half of my career and I just wanted to be comfortable. Wherever I went, I wanted to be comfortable and there was no time in the NFL where I was more comfortable playing football than with Wade Phillips. He's like a guru at putting guys in position to succeed. So if I was going to go somewhere I wanted to be comfortable and I'm definitely comfortable here in L.A.
On his relationship with defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips:
"He is a future Hall of Fame D-coordinator. So, anytime you get to share a meeting room with him everyday, you're going to gain knowledge. He just taught me a lot about being a Pro, how to prepare for the game, and using my strengths on the field. That's a huge part of the reason why I wanted to come play for him."
On his excitement to be a Los Angeles Ram:
"Man, I'm very excited just to be in L.A., the weather, just to be back with coach Wade and be with a nice team like this. This a great team, a great organization. So a competitive team to be a part of a competitive team and make this run towards the Super Bowl is a blessing."
On what the Rams are getting in Talib:
"I'm a smart player and I care about the game. It shows in my play. It shows in what I do at home. When you ask my family, I put time in, I put overtime in at home, I put the work in in the offseason. So, I care about the game and I think it shows in my play."
