Nolan Cromwell # 21

This page is dedicated to one of the best Rams in history... and my all-time favorite player! 

STATISTICS

2nd place with 37 interceptions for 671 yards 5 career TD's 6 blocked punts with 3 in one season (1987) 17 fumble recoveries NFL Defensive Back Of The Year 3 times (1980, 81, 83) NFC Defensive player in 1980 Chosen Rams Most Valuable Player in 1981 Rams Team Captain from 1985 - 1987 3 All-Pro seasons 4 Pro Bowls (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)

A bit of Nolan trivia:  Remember when a small Orange County TV station ran a RAMS
show for the fans following the games?  Nolan was the host and would go over the 
game and explain what happened.  I can't remember the name of the show, but I do 
remember having my first husband put up an antenna so I could get the show!

A poem (yeah, it's kind of corny!) I wrote when Nolan retired.  I gave it to a friend
who had access to the locker room - but I can't be sure it ever actually made it there!  

21

You’ve been my favorite player by far
I’ve so enjoyed your talent
With you in the game the action is fast
I call you the Ram with class

I've watched you play with grace and style
The intensity of a star
In mud and snow and uncomfortable heat
A  players man you are

You wear lucky number twenty-one
It fits you like no other
and knowing you must retire someday
I'll miss that number in every play

I've watched you hit hard for a dozen years
I've never missed a game
Your body must be exhausted by now
thou your spirit still feels the same

I've enjoyed the sacks, the interceptions
the blocked kicks and all the rest
the fake field goals, plugged running holes
Hey Nolan, you've stopped the best

I've screamed until my voice was hoarse
I cried in nineteen-eighty, of course
My baby was born while you won back our title (12/15/85)
Oh what a great third quarter it was

Reminded when I read today's news
it mentioned your tenure and age
even called you a "falling star", oh no
are you ready to exit the stage?

It's melancholy to think of you
on the sidelines shouting plays
to a rookie safety taking your place
all the while with a smiling face

So give this year your very best
you belong in Hawaii with all the rest
and win that Super Bowl ring next year
that will really make me cheer

And when you're ready to leave the Rams
with good times spent here and afar
I know it'll be hard to walk away
but you'll walk away a star 

Nolan kept good company on defense... see my tribute to #85, one of the best players of all time.

                             I have other FAVORITES - click here for their pictures