“Obviously I’ve only played for one team, but there’s something different — an energy around here and I think that stems from being successful, but that ultimately comes from the right people being on this team,” he said.

“The thing is that when you have a young team, you have to make sure you have that right core of players and veteran leadership,” Matthews added, before rattling off names like cornerback Aqib Talib, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and finally himself.

As for how the six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champ plans to slot into his role as a leader on the defending NFC Champs, Matthews says he’ll stay the course — attend meetings, be at voluntary workouts, meet with coaches and teammates. The new Ram in town plans to go through his routine, despite joining a new team for the first time in his career. Showing a little personality and joining the Rams’ unique culture as a leader will come in due time.

And with five weeks back in Southern California under his belt, Matthews said he’s finally getting comfortable — but at first that wasn’t the case. Upon arrival, the vet backer had questions about where to park, eat, and meet with coaches and the defense at the team’s practice facility in Thousand Oaks, Calif., in addition to what his role might look like in defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense.