Rob Havenstein has transitioned from protecting against the Chicago Bears to pursuing real bears in the wild.
The former offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams took to social media on Thursday to share that he successfully hunted and killed a large brown bear during a recent trip to Alaska.
On his Instagram, Havenstein posted a series of 14 photos highlighting the impressive animal he had taken down, and he expressed his excitement about the whole experience in the caption.
“I knew when I retired that I wanted to go somewhere wild, experience something outside of my comfort zone and chase incredible critters,” Havenstein shared.
He described the hunt for an Alaskan Brown Bear as an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “The main goal was obviously to hunt a mature brown bear, but what I took home with me was so much more than that,” he continued.
“I gained a true appreciation for these incredible animals and the stunning habitats they inhabit—ranging from snowy mountain peaks to abundant salmon-filled waters and rugged beaches. It was a remarkable adventure.”
The sheer size of the bear was evident in the photos. Havenstein, who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 322 pounds, looked small in comparison to the bear.
In response to his post, one commenter exclaimed, “Bro that thing is massive! Well done good sir.”
Other NFL players also chimed in, with current Rams defensive back Josh Wallace joking, “If you see me with a bear, save the bear !!!”
Havenstein was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Rams and spent his entire 11-year career with the team. He celebrated a Super Bowl victory during that time, and head coach Sean McVay referred to him as “an all-time Ram” after he announced his retirement in February.
“He’s a legacy player,” McVay remarked. “He’s a legacy human being, more importantly.”
