MIKE LANSFORD

Mike Lansford was the kicker for the L.A. Rams for 9 seasons beginning in 1982. He was one of only a handful of kickers in NFL history who kicked barefoot. It's hard to imagine how painful that would be, but he was good at it. Not known for long field goals (over 50 yards), he was however a very clutch kicker and made several game-winning kicks in his career.

DICK "NIGHT TRAIN" LANE

Dick "Night Train" Lane was a defensive back for the L.A. Rams in 1952-1953. In his rookie season, he intercepted 14 passes (in a 12-game season!), a record that has never been broken. During his career, he was selected to several All-NFL and All-Pro teams. He was a tough hitter who liked to tackle opponents by their necks, which was legal at that time. In 1969, he was named the best cornerback of the first 50 years of pro football, later chosen by The Sporting News as one of the top 100 football players of all time, and then voted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 74.

KEVIN GREENE

It was difficult not to like Kevin Greene for his hustle and enthusiasm as an outside linebacker. He played for the L.A. Rams from 1985-1992. Across the three-year stretch of '88-'90, he had 46 sacks, more than any other player in the NFL during that period. The guy just never stopped moving, even when he was on the sidelines. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and finished his career with the Carolina Panthers in 1999.

ALVIN HAYMOND

Even though defensive back Alvin Haymond only played 3 seasons for the L.A. Rams, I remember him for his kick returning skills. He actually led the league in punt returns in 1969, and had over 1000 kickoff return yards in 1970. He was an exciting player and a precursor to some of the big-name, flashy return men who would come along later in the NFL.

JACK YOUNGBLOOD

Jack Youngblood played 14 seasons for the L.A. Rams, and became one of the best defensive ends in the history of pro football. He was a first round draft pick in 1971, and played so well that the Rams were willing to trade Deacon Jones to make room for him. He played in 7 consecutive Pro Bowls, and during the Rams playoff run in 1979, he played with a broken leg in the NFC title game and Super Bowl. He was known for his determination and durability in setting a team record of 201 consecutive starts. He was selected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2001.

JEROME BETTIS

Though he will be remembered more for his career as "The Bus" with the Pittsburgh Steelers, running back Jerome Bettis was drafted by the L.A. Rams in 1993. He ran for over 1,400 yards that year and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Known as The Battering Ram, he quickly established himself as a hard runner with plenty of power. He was traded to the Steelers after the 1995 season and retired after winning the 2006 Super Bowl, finishing his career as the 5th leading rusher in NFL history.

OLLIE MATSON

Ollie Matson was an outstanding NFL player during his 14 year career, and played for the L.A. Rams from 1959-1962. He was a running back known for his speed and agility. Selected to 6 Pro Bowls, he was described by one defensive coach as "the greatest athlete I've ever seen." Not only did he play pro football, he was also a silver and bronze medal winner as a sprinter in the 1952 Olympics. He was voted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1972. Matson passed away last month at the age of 80.