Rams Running Back Spends Offseason Making Sandwiches for Minimum Wage

St. Louis Rams running back Terrance Ganaway is an extremely hard worker, even when that work involves creating an Ultimate Porker or Bootlegger Club. 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the sixth-round 2012 draft pick, who sat behind Steven Jackson, Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead on the depth chart last season, decided staying out of trouble was the most important thing before offseason workouts, so he got a job at a local sandwich shop.

Ganaway, a former Baylor standout, works at Jimmy John’s on Fourth Street in Waco, Texas, where he is still learning the intricacies of each and every sandwich. 

"

I’m on the line that makes the sandwiches. I bake bread. Take the cashier spot. I had to sweep the other day. Clean the tables. I mean, all types of stuff. Slice the meat. Wrap the meat.

I’m in the heat of the battle. Trying to make sandwiches fast is Jimmy John’s policy, so it’s kind of stressful.

"

How awesome is that?

The 24-year-old running back was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets and failed to get any touches in the three games he played for the Rams. 

Still, he made the league minimum of $390,000, so this is hardly a player looking to supplement his income. The NFL back isn't even sure how much he is being paid, offering, "I’m probably guessing minimum wage—$7.25 to $7.50 (an hour)," according to the report.

Ganaway says his main motives in working at the sandwich shop are to save money and stay out of trouble—reasons that are all too rare in any sport. 

When the thought of putting his free time to good use started up, he tweeted jokingly that he was looking for work. That's when a local Jimmy John's said it was hiring. 

A quick application later, and a professional athlete was donning an apron and asking customers if they wanted mayo with their Beach Club. 

Don't think for a second he is considering making sandwiches his full-time job, though, because he settles that real quick (h/t St. Louis Post-Dispatch).

"

My No. 1 job is being an NFL player. So don’t get it confused as to me working at Jimmy John’s has me lazy. ... I know what I have to do. I know how to get in shape and I know what it takes to perform at a high level. Really, Jimmy John’s is just to keep me out of trouble in all the down time we have in the offseason.

From April 15 when we start (the offseason conditioning program) to the end of the season in December, it’s a long, grinding process. And I just want to make sure my body’s healthy, ready to go and ready to answer when they call my number.

"

When you have access to a six-figure income, it's easy to throw good sense and caution to the wind. 

Ganaway, fortunately, understands it will take a lot of work to keep him in the NFL. Rather than take things for granted, he is dedicating himself to hard work on the field, in the gym and in his spare time. 

While he is only working part-time, 12 hours per week, the effort is sure to have a positive impact. Instead of making it rain in the club, Ganaway is making sandwiches. 

Now that is a palatable sports story. 

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