In a surprising move on March 5, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams announced the release of cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, a former sixth-round draft pick and the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. The decision, described as mutual by Tomlinson’s agent Kevin Conner, marks an abrupt end to his tenure with the Rams just two years into his professional career. Tomlinson, a standout college player who won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2022 as the nation’s top defensive back, now heads to waivers, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering what went wrong and what lies ahead for the young athlete with NFL bloodlines.
A Promising Start Rooted in Legacy
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson entered the NFL with a pedigree that turned heads. Born on January 10, 2000, in Waco, Texas, he is the nephew of LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. LaDainian, a TCU legend and the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, carved out a Hall of Fame career with over 13,000 rushing yards and an MVP award in 2006. Tre’Vius followed in his uncle’s footsteps by attending Texas Christian University (TCU), where he made a name for himself as a tenacious and undersized cornerback.
At TCU, Tomlinson transformed from a three-star high school recruit into a defensive star. After playing sparingly as a freshman in 2019 (eight tackles in 12 games), he earned a starting role in 2020, recording 26 tackles in 10 games. His junior year in 2021 showcased his playmaking ability with 41 tackles, two interceptions, and a touchdown. However, it was his senior season in 2022 that cemented his legacy. Tomlinson led the Big 12 with 18 passes defended, tied for fifth nationally, and earned the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing him as the best defensive back in college football. His stats that year—42 tackles, three interceptions, and 15 pass breakups—helped TCU reach the College Football Playoff National Championship game, though they fell to Georgia.
Despite his 5-foot-8, 178-pound frame—a size that raised eyebrows among NFL scouts—Tomlinson’s speed (4.41-second 40-yard dash), agility, and instincts made him a coveted prospect. The Rams selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 182nd overall pick, reuniting him with fellow TCU alum Steve Avila and adding a player many considered a potential draft steal.
A Rookie Season Cut Short by Injury
Tomlinson’s rookie year with the Rams in 2023 showed flashes of promise but was hampered by the challenges of transitioning to the NFL. He appeared in 15 games, primarily contributing on special teams, where he recorded eight tackles. On defense, his opportunities were limited, with just five solo tackles logged. His undersized stature and the Rams’ crowded cornerback room—featuring players like Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick—meant he spent much of his time in a rotational role or on the sidelines. Still, his athleticism and college accolades suggested he could grow into a reliable slot corner with time.
Unfortunately, Tomlinson’s second season never got off the ground. On August 27, 2024, the Rams placed him on season-ending injured reserve, effectively sidelining him for the entire 2024 campaign. Details about the injury remain scarce, but it marked a significant setback for a player still trying to establish himself in the league. The injury, combined with the Rams’ evolving roster needs, appears to have played a role in the decision to part ways less than seven months later.
The Release: A Mutual Decision
The announcement of Tomlinson’s release came via a post on X from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 5, 2025, at 3:27 PM PST: “Rams are releasing former Jim Thorpe award winner, CB Trevius Tomlinson, who now will go on waivers. His agent Kevin Conner said it was ‘a mutual decision to give Tre a fresh start. We would like thank Les Snead and Sean McVay for working collaboratively with us to make this happen.’” The statement suggests that both the Rams and Tomlinson’s camp saw limited upside in continuing the relationship, perhaps due to his injury history, lack of a clear role, or the team’s strategic direction.
For the Rams, the move aligns with general manager Les Snead’s reputation for roster flexibility and willingness to take risks on young talent while also cutting ties when necessary. Under head coach Sean McVay, the team has prioritized versatility and depth in the secondary, and Tomlinson’s size and injury concerns may have made him expendable as the Rams prepare for the 2025 season. With emerging defensive stars like rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske from the 2024 draft class earning accolades, the focus may have shifted away from developing a player like Tomlinson, whose path to significant playing time remained uncertain.
What Went Wrong?
Several factors likely contributed to Tomlinson’s brief stint with the Rams. First, his size—while an asset in college for his quickness and ability to mirror receivers—posed challenges in the NFL, where physicality and matchups against larger wideouts are more common. Analysts noted during the draft process that he might be limited to a nickel or slot role, and his early career did little to dispel those concerns.
Second, injuries derailed his momentum. The hamstring tightness that slowed him during OTAs in 2023 and the unspecified injury that landed him on IR in 2024 prevented him from showcasing his skills consistently. In a league where availability is often as critical as ability, Tomlinson’s inability to stay on the field may have eroded the Rams’ confidence in his long-term potential.
Finally, the Rams’ secondary underwent significant changes during his tenure. The trade of Jalen Ramsey in 2023 left a void, but the team leaned on younger, similarly undersized corners like Durant, who emerged as a standout. Tomlinson faced stiff competition and never carved out a niche, a stark contrast to his college days when he was a lockdown defender.
A Legacy Interrupted, But Not Ended
Tomlinson’s release evokes comparisons to his uncle LaDainian, whose career was defined by resilience and adaptability. While LaDainian faced criticism for sitting out with injuries late in his Chargers tenure, he overcame doubters to cement his Hall of Fame status. Tre’Vius, at just 25 years old, has time to author his own redemption story. His college tape—highlighted by a 34.6% completion rate allowed in 2022 and 21 forced incompletions—proves he has the talent to compete at the highest level.
As Tomlinson hits waivers, other NFL teams will have the chance to claim him. A fresh start with a team needing depth at cornerback or a system that values his speed and ball skills could reignite his career. His agent’s gratitude toward Snead and McVay suggests an amicable split, and LaDainian’s guidance—evident in emotional footage of him celebrating Tre’Vius’s draft moment in 2023—remains a powerful resource.
Looking Ahead
For Rams fans, Tomlinson’s departure is a reminder of the fleeting nature of NFL careers, even for players with elite pedigrees. For Tre’Vius, it’s a pivot point. Whether he lands with a contender or a rebuilding squad, his next stop will test his ability to overcome adversity, much like his uncle did decades ago. As of March 5, 2025, the football world watches to see if the Tomlinson name will once again shine in the NFL—or if this early release marks the end of a promising but unfulfilled journey.
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