Cowley savours Rams memories after retirement

Sun Feb 25 2018

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When the Rams begin their new season in April, there will be a different look on defence following the retirement of a club stalwart.

Key lineman Adam Cowley has called time on his playing career after eight destructive years at the heart of the black and gold defence, with injuries taking their toll.

Having thought long and hard about his future the previous winter, this time he made the tough decision - “Finally!”, he jokes.

“It’s a few years delayed, but I enjoyed those few years so I can’t complain.

“Unfortunately I don’t own an (anterior cruciate ligament) any more. I’ve played three years without an ACL in my right knee, and unfortunately in the play-off game against Leicester last season, five or six plays in I tore my left ACL.

“So that’s the next two years’ worth of surgery and rehab for me. And maybe a shoulder surgery as well - might as well throw it in!”

Cowley was named Ram of the Year at our awards evening in December, adding to an impressive haul of honours over his career.

“Obviously I’ve been quite privileged in the awards I’ve got - and a lot of them are player-voted, which means a lot,” he said.

“They’re the ones I hold dear - I’ve got every single one of them in my living room and every day I look at them, every day I’m proud of them.

“I’ve really enjoyed telling my son, he always asks which year, and what did I do, so it’s created a lot of memories, it’s probably the best eight years of my life.

“I had a quick look on Facebook and I realised I’ve got 200 friends from American football, in eight years. And I feel like I can call upon any of them at any time.

“I recently rang a coach I had five years ago and ended up having a conversation, just out of the blue. It’s just brilliant.”

Cowley himself will shift into coaching now, sharing defensive co-ordinator duties with Tom Hammett.

His influence is already being felt on the training ground, but his trademark number 40 jersey will be missing from the field of play when the season starts.

Asked who could take the number on, Cowley said with a wry smile, “No comment,” adding after a moment’s thought: “My son, when he comes of age!”

No pressure, Callum.

Photos by Scott Smith and Ben Simmons