Gurley surprised by release from Rams: 'I didn't see it coming'

Warning: Story contains coarse language

Todd Gurley wasn't expecting his solid five-season stint with the Los Angeles Rams to come to an end this offseason.

"I didn't see it coming," the running back said during Thursday's episode of the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast. "But obviously I've seen the process over the years, so I understand the business and I understand how it goes."

The Rams cut Gurley last week before $10.5 million in salary and bonuses for the 2020 season became guaranteed. His release came one day after his four-year, $60-million extension with Los Angeles officially kicked in. Gurley became the highest-paid running back in the NFL after signing that contract in July 2018.

Gurley agreed to a one-year, $6-million pact with the Atlanta Falcons one day after his release.

The 25-year-old emerged as football's best running back during his time with the Rams, leading the league with 3,924 scrimmage yards and 40 touchdowns from 2017-18.

But Gurley took a step back when he started battling an arthritic knee injury late in 2018. The Rams insisted the three-time Pro Bowler wasn't injured, but his production in 2019 marked a drop from previous campaigns.

After splitting carries with C.J. Anderson through the team's run to Super Bowl LIII, Gurley posted career lows in both rushing attempts (223) and yards (857) this past season, though he still managed 14 touchdowns.

"I try not to press the issue about nothing ... just sit back and do my job," he said. "Like it's not my job to tell who to give me the ball, so if it happens, it happens. I'm not going to b---- about anything. I'm just going to keep quiet and do my part. But when I get the ball, you know I'm going to do good with it for the most part, especially when stuff is going good.

"But I don't know what happened, man. All I know is I'm with the Falcons now."

The condition of Gurley's knee this offseason is "very bad," a source recently told The Athletic's Jeff Schultz.

Gurley, a two-time All-Pro, also said he's considering changing his jersey from No. 30 to No. 21 in Atlanta.