When the Los Angeles Rams traded up to draft Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., they weren’t just betting on a linebacker—they were betting on a leader.
Known for his energy, instincts, and off-field mindset, the Ole Miss product is ready to earn his place in LA, bring the juice to the locker room, and live out a dream that started in Cordele, Georgia.
Check out our exclusive Q&A with Chris Paul Jr. from this summer.
Q: How many Chris Paul jokes do you hear in a week?
A: “Some people think that Chris Paul is my dad. Some ask if he’s a cousin, an uncle. I’m like, bro, y’all would know if Chris Paul was my dad.”
Q: So is that why you go by your nickname more often?
A: “Yeah, my nickname grew on me when I was younger. Everyone in my community started calling me Pooh. College coaches picked it up on visits. That’s just how people know me now.”
Q: When you transferred to Ole Miss, how did you build trust in a new locker room?
A: “Just getting around my guys and building bonds. Learning how they respond to coaching, what helps them learn best—on the board, through walkthroughs, or just being in it. Once you learn their story and they learn yours, it brings everybody closer.”
Q: Will you use the same approach with the Rams?
A: “Definitely. As a rookie, it’s going to be real important for me to get around the good vets—guys who do things the right way. So when rookies come in after me, I can help coach them up, too.”
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Q: Ole Miss’ defense was loaded in 2023. What made you all click?
A: “A lot of us transferred in together—Walter Nolan, Prince Umanmielen, Trey Amos, myself. We bonded and pushed each other. Having a high-powered offense helped, too. We’d feed off each other.”
Q: What went through your head on draft day?
A: “It still doesn’t feel real. I was around my family, and when that phone rang, it hit me all at once. I told my parents I wasn’t going to cry, and I didn’t cry on camera, so technically I won.”
Q: Did you think LA was going to call?
A: “Not at all. I was just blessed to get that call. Lucky it was the Rams—makes it even better because I love LA.”
Q: Does the Rams’ history of late-round hits motivate you?
A: “100%. I’m going to give 100% every day. I told Coach—I want people to remember me as a great player, but also as a leader in the community. First and foremost, a man who walked by faith.”
Q: You’re reuniting with Beaux Limmer—what’s that like?
A: “Crazy. I remember when I got to Arkansas as a freshman, I saw him squat 700 pounds like it was nothing. He showed younger guys how to work the right way. I took that with me.”
Q: How do you fit in the linebacker room with Troy Reeder, Nate Landman, and Omar Speights?
A: “It’s going to be great. They’re competitors. I want to be around vets like that and learn how to become a complete NFL player and a better man.”
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Q: What makes the Rams a good scheme fit for you?
A: “They emphasize speed and instincts—that’s how I play. You can tell their team is player-led, and that’s where I want to be.”
Q: Who’s tougher to cover—tight ends or receiving backs?
A: “Receiving backs. More speed, more wiggle. Someone like Alvin Kamara—he’s shifty and runs with purpose. But I’ll tackle anybody.”
Q: What separates good linebackers from great ones?
A: “The ones who take care of their body. Who can take and give criticism. Who have spatial awareness, can cover, can lead. Guys like Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Quay Walker—every-down players.”
Q: Give Rams fans three words to describe your game.
A: “Physical. Passionate. Field general.”
Q: What games should fans watch to understand your style?
A: “Georgia. LSU. Oklahoma. South Carolina. Watch those. Not just because we won, but because they show how I carry myself.”
Q: Loudest moment you’ve experienced on the field?
A: “LSU. Kyren Lacy caught the game-winner in overtime. Tiger Stadium erupted. The ground shook under me.”
Q: What’s going to be your ‘I made it’ moment?
A: “Running out of the tunnel, Week 1. And stepping off the plane for rookie camp. Just knowing—I’m here.”
Q: What are your goals for this season?
A: “Be an impact—on defense, on special teams. Show them I can keep up. I want to be a leader.”
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Q: What do you like to do off the field?
A: “Fish. Ride four-wheelers. Play Call of Duty, 2K, Madden. Just be outdoors.”
Q: Are you excited to see yourself in Madden?
A: “Definitely. It hit me when I saw myself in NCAA. Madden’s going to be even crazier.”
Q: If you had one 90 rating in Madden, what would it be?
A: “Awareness. Speed. Tackling.”
Q: What do you want ‘Chris Paul Jr.’ to stand for 10 years from now?
A: “A man of faith. A guy who gave 100% every play. A leader. A complete linebacker. Someone his teammates could always count on.”
Q: First thing you’re doing when you get to LA?
A: “Take in the scenery. I like looking at buildings, art, and culture. Just see what the city’s about.”
Q: Favorite Rams uniform combo?
A: “All blue. Helmet to toe.”
Q: What would you want the new City Edition uniforms to look like?
A: “All black. Blue numbers. Yellow trim.”
Q: Any jersey swaps you’re hoping for this year?
A: “Quay Walker. We grew up together. That’d be a full-circle moment. And Antonio Greer—we were at Arkansas. We got real close. It’s time we finally did that swap.”
Q: What’s your go-to hype song?
A: “‘Out the Mud’ by Lil Baby.”
Q: What’s something football taught you that people can use in life?
A: “It’s okay to ask for help. Be where your feet are. Be thankful. Somebody out there wishes they had what you’ve got.”