Rams running back Sony Michel started his NFL career with a Super Bowl run when as a rookie in 2018, he helped push the Patriots over the top by scoring the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LIII against Los Angeles.

He also scored five touchdowns over the New England’s preceding playoff victories over the Chiefs and Chargers. Late in the year, the Pats remade their offensive identity around a Michel-led run game, a pivot that ultimately paved their way to a title.

Three years later, Michel is back in the Super Bowl, and he was asked to detail how his time in New England changed him; specifically what it meant to play for Bill Belichick and alongside Tom Brady.

“Being coached by Coach Belichick made me a better player in terms of, he taught me how to be a professional.’,” Michel said. “Me coming into this league young, not really knowing much, being put into that system of doing your job and being a professional, it takes you a long way.”

As for Brady: “It was a cool experience,” Michel added. “He’s one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and when you’re around greatness, it allows you to bring your level of play to a higher level. A great dude to be around, and it was an honor.”

The Pats sent Michel to Los Angeles last August for a 2022 sixth-round pick and 2023 fourth-rounder. With the Rams, he rushed for 845 yards and four touchdowns at 4.1 yards per carry during the regular season. In the playoffs, he’s totaled 78 yards on 24 carries over three games. Michel is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason.

DOLPHINS: Miami introduced Mike McDaniel as its new head coach Thursday at a news conference during which the franchise owner and general manager only talked about the new hire.

McDaniel was hired Sunday, 27 days after Brian Flores was fired and five days after Flores filed a lawsuit accusing the NFL of systemic racism in its hiring practices and alleging that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss during the 2019 season.

Ross and General Manager Chris Grier did not field questions after making remarks about McDaniel, though the new coach was immediately asked whether he saw any warning signs before accepting the position.

“I can honestly say there was absolutely no red flags,” McDaniel said. “And the reason why was because I’m stepping into an organization with a boss that I don’t think people give their proper due, Stephen Ross. There’s no cost too high for winning for him. And when you’re in multiple organizations, you realize that’s not always the case.”

VIKINGS: Ed Donatell has agreed to become the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings under head-coach-to-be Kevin O’Connell, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday because the Vikings have not yet announced the hire. They’re waiting first to finalize a contract with O’Connell, the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-bound Los Angeles Rams.

After the Rams play for the championship on Sunday, the 36-year-old O’Connell can finally be introduced as the 10th coach in Vikings history. O’Connell is expected to then make the 65-year-old Donatell his most important assistant for his first experience running a team.

Donatell has 10 seasons on his resume as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, including the last three years with the Denver Broncos under coach Vic Fangio, who was fired last month. The Broncos were third in the league in 2021 in fewest point allowed and eighth in fewest yards allowed.

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