James Laurinaitis came to Ohio State from Minnesota known as the son of the Animal, a professional wrestling star that was half of a powerful tag team along with the Legion of Doom.
He left Columbus a three-time consensus All-American, three-time All-Big Ten performer at linebacker and a perfect 4-0 against rival Michigan from 2005-08. The Lil' Animal became synonymous with leadership, consistency and all that was good under coach Jim Tressel. Laurinaitis finished his Ohio State career with 375 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks and 14 interceptions.
Laurinaitis was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the 35th pick in the 2009 draft, and has been nothing but terrific for what once was a struggling franchise. Sunday, he became its all-time leading tackler.
Congrats @JLaurinaitis55 on becoming the #Rams all-time leading tackler! #TheCaptain pic.twitter.com/UeuBhFWbx4
— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) September 27, 2015
Laurinaitis needed 15 tackles to surpass Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen's record of 915 entering the 2015 season, doing so early in the the Rams' game against Pittsburgh.
Just another day at the office for the captain.
