Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske wants to carve out his own legacy as he begins his NFL career.
The 24-year-old rookie will enter the season with high expectations as a high second-round draft pick. The former Florida State defensive tackle – who made headlines due to his standout performance at the NFL Combine – was selected with the 39th overall pick after the Rams traded up from the 52nd pick to draft him. Los Angeles parted ways with their No. 52 and No. 155 picks in the draft and a 2025 second-round pick in order to select Fiske – which obviously shows how much they valued him.
Not only does Fiske have to live up to that trade value, he’s also tasked – along with second-year man Kobie Turner and 23-year-old Bobby Brown – in replacing the recently retired Aaron Donald, who is considered the best defensive lineman of his generation. Donald won Defensive Player of the Year a record three times, went to the Pro Bowl during all 10 of his years in the league and was named an eight-time First-Team All-Pro selection.
Although there are big shoes to fill, Fiske isn’t too worried about the pressure and expectations that comes along with replacing the G.O.A.T.
“Big shoes to fill – we’re talking about the greatest ever. I’ve said it countless times – it’s the G.O.A.T,” says Fiske of Donald in an exclusive one-on-one interview. “I full-heartedly feel that way about him and we’ve had small conversations — that’s been cool. It is what it is. I don’t think you ever replace the G.O.A.T. I have to go out there and do what I do.”
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