One harsh reality of the NFL is the fact that even the best players can be cut and rarely do players get to finish out on their own terms or with the same team throughout their careers.

Just ask Tom Brady, who is viewed by most as the greatest quarterback in NFL history but will now be continuing his playing career in Tampa Bay after nearly two decades in New England.

Todd Gurley also found out what it was like to be released as a cap casualty this offseason as the former All-Pro running back was released following five seasons with the Rams. During his time with the franchise, Gurley rushed for 5,404 yards and 58 touchdowns and caught 218 passes for 2,090 yards and 12 touchdowns.

During a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked about the team’s decision to release Gurley this offseason. The relationship between the coach and his former running back has been well documented, as Gurley’s game improved dramatically in McVay’s offense before suffering an injury.

“I think the first thing that I would say is, you know, it’s really just unbelievable what he’s done over the five years that he was around,” McVay said of Gurley. “I couldn’t be more appreciative of our time together and I do think that eventually we’ll be able to look back and really be able to cherish a lot of the great memories that we’ve shared.

“He has been so important in the success we’ve had as a team and I owe a lot of that to him and I’m forever grateful for having worked with him. Sometimes you know tough decisions have to be made.”

While there are many who question whether Gurley will ever return to his All-Pro form following his knee injury, McVay expressed his belief that the new Atlanta running back will rebound with the Falcons.

“I think that he will do a very nice job with the Falcons,” McVay added. “The only way I can really play Rich’s these decisions are never easy but more than anything I think it’s important to just represent that the type of player, the person and the appreciation for the time that we did have together and you know that’s really the kind of what I would, what I would want to emphasize just because of what he’s meant to me and what it meant to us in the three years that we’ve spent together.”