As the 2026 NFL regular season approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and leadership structures, including the announcement of team captains. The Los Angeles Rams have joined this trend, unveiling a list of twelve captains, among whom are two notable players with ties to the University of Washington: center Coleman Shelton and cornerback Trent McDuffie.
This marks a significant milestone for both players, as it is their first time being appointed captains in their NFL careers. Coleman Shelton, who has been with the Rams since 2019, is entering his seventh season with the franchise. After a brief stint away, he re-signed with the team in 2025, showcasing his importance to the offensive line.
Trent McDuffie, on the other hand, is set to make his debut as a captain after joining the Rams from the Kansas City Chiefs during the offseason. McDuffie, a two-time Super Bowl champion, enjoyed a successful four-year tenure with Kansas City, where he earned All-Pro honors twice and played a pivotal role in the team's back-to-back Super Bowl victories in his first three seasons.
Now, as he transitions to the NFC with the Rams, McDuffie's experience and skills are expected to be crucial for his new team, which is considered a strong contender for the Lombardi Trophy this season. The Rams have high hopes that McDuffie's leadership will help propel them to success in a competitive league.
Both Shelton and McDuffie have taken distinct paths to reach this point in their careers, despite their shared background as Huskies. Shelton's journey began in 2014 when he committed to the University of Washington under coach Steve Sarkisian. Over five years, he became a key player, starting 40 games and contributing to the team's historic run to the College Football Playoff in 2016. After going undrafted in 2018, he signed with the Rams and has since established himself as a reliable presence on the offensive line, including being part of the team that won Super Bowl LVI.
McDuffie's journey to the NFL started when he arrived at Washington as a highly-touted four-star recruit in 2019. He quickly made an impact, playing in all but one game during his three seasons with the Huskies. His standout performance earned him a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2021, leading to his selection by the Chiefs as the 21st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Rams are set to kick off their 2026 season with an exciting divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10, taking place in Melbourne, Australia. This game will not only mark the beginning of the season but also serve as a platform for Shelton and McDuffie to showcase their leadership capabilities as they aim to guide the Rams towards a successful campaign.
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